Baucus still plans active campaign

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., plans to wage an all-out campaign for re-election, even though his Republican opponent is widely regarded as having a slim chance at best in the race.

Bob Kelleher, 85, got national attention as the surprise winner in a six-way Republican primary race June 3.

Kelleher, of Butte, has been a perennial candidate for multiple public offices, the last time as a Green Party candidate, all with no success. He is a champion of gun control and increased welfare, positions that are likely to undermine support within the Republican Party.

Baucus spokesman Barrett Kaiser said the senator will campaign hard despite being the heavy favorite.

"Max's mantra in life is that you take nothing for granted," Kaiser said. "He's going to continue to campaign. He's going to continue to go out and talk to Montanans in every corner of the state because he owes it to his employers and he owes it to himself to work hard to earn a historic sixth term in the U.S. Senate."

Baucus has amassed $10 million in campaign funds, with $6.2 million currently in hand, Kaiser said.

Asked if the campaign's plans for purchasing radio, television or print advertising may be changed, Kaiser said: "I don't have the answer to that. We are taking stock in where we are at, but Max is going to run a campaign."

Baucus will maintain nine campaign offices with 70 employees across the state, Kaiser said.

"The schedule we set for Max this summer has not changed," Kaiser said.

Baucus will hold campaign events in the coming months, including "Baucus Burger Bonanzas" in 12 different communities. The barbecues have been an annual summer tradition for Baucus since 2002.

Campaign workers will canvass this summer, going door-to-door in certain communities, Kaiser said.

While his campaign reportedly has only $5,000, it appears Kelleher also plans to keep a busy schedule. According to his Web site, he recently spoke at the AFL-CIO's annual convention and will speak at the Republican State Convention June 19-21.

A call to Kelleher's campaign was not returned Friday.

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