Election lists surge on final day of filing

Numerous candidates threw their hats into the ring for legislative seats on Monday, the last day to file for election to state and county offices.

In Senate District 1, Rhoda Cargill of Troy filed Monday as a Republican and will challenge Chas V. Vincent in the June primary.

Dan Pickar of Missoula filed as a Republican in Senate District 4. Republican Jon Sonju of Kalispell and Democrat Mary Reckin of Kalispell previously filed in that district.

In Senate District 8, Republican Richard Jennison of Ronan was a last-minute filer. He’s the only Republican filed in that district, but has two Democratic opponents, Shannon James Augare of Browning and Joey Jayne of Arlee.

In House District 2, Republican Matt Charlton of Trego has filed. He will challenge Republican Mike Cuffe of Eureka and Democrat Tom Linehan of Troy.

There was a flurry of last-minute filing activity in House District 4.

Democrats Will Hammerquist of Whitefish and Trevor Caudill of Kalispell have filed to challenge incumbent Democrat Mike Jopek of Whitefish. Republican P. William “Bill” Geisse of Marion also has filed. Other House District 4 candidates include Republicans Derek Skees of Kalispell and Damon Pace of Whitefish.

Karen Reeves of Whitefish filed Monday as a Democratic candidate in House District 7. Steve Thompson and Randy Brodehl earlier filed as Republican candidates in that district.

House District 8 also has a crowded field of candidates.

Democrat Dane Clark of Kalispell filed on Monday. Also in the race are Republicans Carl Glimm of Kalispell and Steve Lavin of Kalispell; Democrat Bryan Schutt of Kalispell and Independent Bill Jones of Kalispell.

Democrat Neal Brown of Bigfork has filed in House District 9, where he will challenge Republican incumbent Scott M. Reichner.

Carla Augustad of Kalispell will be a Democratic challenger in House District 10, where she will face off against incumbent Republican Mark W. Blasdel of Somers.

In House District 11, Republican Josh D. King of Polson will challenge Republican J. Garth Cox of Polson and Republican incumbent Janna Taylor of Dayton.

At the county level, Patrick Nickol filed Monday as a Republican candidate for Flathead County commissioner.

Nickol, a construction contractor, will face former Commissioner Howard Gipe and Evergreen business owner Pam Holmquist in the June primary election.

On the Democratic side, incumbent Commissioner Joe Brenneman is being challenged by Noel Gorton.

A full list of candidates in this year’s election will be published in Wednesday’s Daily Inter Lake.