It's Hall vs. Dupont in commission election

Let the races begin.

A slew of Republicans threw their hats into the political ring on Tuesday, the first day candidates could file with the election office.

The race for the top elected job in Flathead County already has attracted a Republican primary contest, with incumbent County Commissioner Gary Hall filing for re-election and former Sheriff Jim Dupont filing as a challenger.

Hall, who currently is the chairman of the three-member board of commissioners, is finishing his first six-year term in office. He previously was mayor of Columbia Falls and an administrator for the Salvation Army.

Dupont retired as Flathead County sheriff at the end of 2006 after 16 years in office. He was the longest-serving sheriff in county history and was a deputy before moving up to the sheriff's job.

Others who filed Tuesday include:

. John Fuller filed as a Republican for the House District 4 seat currently held by Democrat Mike Jopek. Fuller has been a teacher at Flathead High School for 12 years and recently served on the Montana State Board of Education.

"I teach civics, government, economics, social studies," he said. "One has to live what one preaches. I feel like I have something to offer. Like all good Montanans, I believe that hard work wins, and that hard work should be rewarded. Our citizens should be rewarded with the government they deserve."

. Keith Regier of Kalispell will run as a Republican for House District 5. Regier, who owns a sod company, is looking to fill the seat left by George Everett, who is not running for re-election.

. Scott Reichner filed as a Republican for House District 9. Incumbent Bill Jones will not seek re-election but may run as an independent in the future.

. Craig Witte of House District 8 filed for re-election. Witte, who owns Perkins Restaurant in Kalispell, serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Commerce. Witte sponsored three bills in the 2007 Legislative Session, and all three died in standing committee.

March 20 is the filing deadline for candidates interested in running for office.

Reporter Michael Richeson may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at mricheson@dailyinterlake.com