Local races shaping up for Legislature

Several Northwest Montana legislative races have gotten busier with new candidates joining the hunt as a March 20 filing deadline looms.

Four candidates are vying for the North Valley's Senate District 2 seat. Incumbent Sen. Dan Weinberg, D-Whitefish, is not seeking re-election.

Democrats Gil Jordan of Coram and Jake Pannell of Columbia Falls have entered the race, along with Republican Suzanne Brooks of Whitefish. Ryan Zinke, a Whitefish resident, earlier announced his candidacy but has yet to formally file with the Secretary of State's Office.

Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson, has filed for re-election in Senate District 6, and so far faces no opposition.

Republican Bruce Tutvedt remains the only candidate running for the Senate District 3 seat currently held by Republican Sen. Jerry O'Neil, who cannot seek re-election because of term limits.

Democrat Cheryl Steenson has entered the House District 8 race, challenging Rep. Craig Witte, R-Kalispell, along with fellow Democrat John de Neeve.

A Republican challenger, Ginny Emerson of Fortine, is running for the House District 1 seat against Democrat Eileen Carney of Libby. Incumbent Rep. Ralph Heinert, R-Libby, has not filed for re-election.

Democrat Scott Wheeler of Kalispell is challenging Rep. Bill Beck, R-Kalispell, in House District 6.

In House District 7, Rep. Jon Sonju, R-Kalispell, remains unopposed.

A competitive race has developed in the Polson area's House District 12, with Republicans Ronald Marquardt, Josh King and Carol Cummings and Democrat John Fleming filing for office. The seat currently is held by Rep. Rick Jore, the sole Constitution Party candidate in the Legislature.

Rep. Janna Taylor, R-Dayton, is seeking re-election in House District 11 and she remains unopposed.

Incumbent Rep. Mark Blasdel, R-Somers, has filed for re-election in House District 10 and faces a challenge from Democrat Carla Augustad.

Republican Scott Reichner is still the only candidate running for the House District 9 seat currently held by Rep. Bill Jones, R-Bigfork. Jones is not seeking re-election.

Republican Dee Brown remains the only candidate for House District 3, a seat she previously held for several terms. Rep. Doug Cordier, D-Columbia Falls, is not seeking re-election.

Two Republicans, Harm Toren and Keith Regier, are running for the House District 5 seat currently held by Rep. George Everett, R-Kalispell. Everett is not seeking re-election.

Republican John Fuller remains the only candidate running for the House District 4 seat currently held by Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish. Jopek has yet to file for re-election.

Rep. Chas Vincent, R-Libby, is seeking re-election in House District 2 and remains unopposed.

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