Whitefish state senator not running again

State Sen. Dan Weinberg, D-Whitefish, has announced that he will not seek re-election next year, and Republican Ryan Zinke has announced that he will seek to succeed Weinberg in Senate District 2.

Weinberg said in a letter to the editor that he has enjoyed his single term in office but is stepping down because "there are other things I want to do."

"I believe we only get one shot at life," Weinberg added.

"Having lost two very close friends this year alone, I realize that other challenges, relationships and adventures must not be postponed."

Weinberg has served in two legislative sessions since he was elected three years ago. He has focused on mental health-care issues and increasing the public's access to health services.

He sponsored legislation that doubled the number of cabaret licenses issued statewide, a change that has advanced local economies, Weinberg said.

The 2007 session was contentious, particularly in the state House, but Weinberg said his experience in the Senate was "quite different."

"While some apparently partisan votes were taken, they revolved around honest philosophical differences, arrived at after good, respectful debate," he said. "My experience on Senate and joint House-Senate committees has been only positive, characterized by cooperation and shared respect."

Weinberg has served on the Senate Finance Committee and between sessions was active on special health and human services committees. He also was the first Senate liaison to the Montana Board of Investments.

Weinberg said he hopes his constituents will pick a successor who is hardworking, receptive, and selfless.

"Please consider carefully the impact one person can make in the state Legislature and elect the person you feel will represent you best," he said.

Last week, Zinke, a Whitefish native and 22-year Navy SEAL veteran, said he consulted with former Gov. Marc Racicot and former state Sens. Bob Brown and Bob DePratu in deciding to run.

"I had an exciting career and I am both thankful and fortunate that my luck never ran out," Zinke said. "Military life is demanding for the member and the family. I was often gone over 230 days a year. And at 46 years old, my mind still says yes but my body says no. Let's just say it's time to come home and serve the state I love in a capacity that doesn't involve jumping out of airplanes."

Zinke said he will work "to make Montana a better place" if elected.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure folks don't get taxed out and find ways to make sure our children can have a future here," he said. "Creating opportunity, improving education and reducing taxes are going to be at the top of the list."

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com