Election battles already take shape

By the end of the first day to file for this year’s elections, a race had already shaped up for a new Flathead County district judge position.

David Ortley, currently a Flathead County Justice of the Peace, filed Thursday for the fourth Flathead County District Judge position that was created by the Legislature last year. Also filing in the race on Thursday were Kalispell attorney Phyllis Quatman and Kalispell City Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht.

Also at the Flathead County level, Pamela Holmquist filed as a candidate for the county commissioner seat currently held by Joe Brenneman. Holmquist had an unsuccessful run for the Board of County Commissioners in 2006.

Mike Meehan filed for re-election as Flathead County Sheriff, and former county undersheriff Chuck Curry filed to oppose him in the race, as previously announced.

Paula Robinson filed for re-election as county clerk and recorder, as did Ed Corrigan for county attorney, Adele Krantz for county treasurer and Marcia Sheffels for superintendent of schools.

In one of two county races for justice of peace, incumbent Judge Mark Sullivan filed for re-election. Bigfork attorney Paul Sullivan has filed as a challenger for the position.

The other justice of the peace position is currently held by Ortley. So far, only Kalispell attorney and former prosecutor Daniel Wilson has filed as a candidate.

In Northwest Montana’s legislative arena, Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, filed for re-election in Senate District 5, as did Sen. Joey Jayne, D-Arlee, in Senate District 8.

Columbia Falls resident Harm Toren, a Republican, is making another bid for the House District 3 seat. He will have a primary race challenge from Republican Sandy Welch, a Martin City resident. Democrat Gene Marcille of Columbia Falls is also in the race. The seat is currently held by Rep. Dee Brown, R-Hungry Horse.

Republican Derek Skees is running in House District 4, a seat currently held by Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish.

Rep. Bill Beck, R-Kalispell, has filed for re-election in House District 6.

Kalispell resident Carl Glimm has filed as a Republican for House District 8, a seat currently held by Rep. Cheryl Steenson, D-Kalispell, who has announced that she will not seek re-election.

Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, has filed for re-election in House District 9, as have Rep. Mark Blasdel, R-Somers, in House District 10 and Rep. Janna Taylor, R-Rollins, in House District 11.

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