Lynch adds Olszewski on ticket
Jim Lynch, former Kalispell businessman and state Department of Transportation director, filed as a Republican gubernatorial candidate with a veteran Kalispell orthopedic surgeon as his running mate on the last day of filing Monday
A wave of Democratic candidates also entered Flathead Valley legislative races Monday.
Lynch named Dr. Al Oszewski as his candidate for lieutenant governor in a filing that brings to seven the official count of GOP candidates for governor.
Also entering the race Monday was Paradise Valley resident Bob Fanning, who selected Joel Bonier as his new running mate. He had previously selected Flathead Valley pastor, author and radio host Chuck Baldwin, but Baldwin withdrew from the ticket.
Two Democratic candidates, one Libertarian and one independent candidate round out the gubernatorial race.
Keeping with a tradition of fielding candidates at the last minute in recent years, eight Democrats entered area legislative races on Monday, giving voters a choice in every district.
Whitefish Democrat Shannon Hanson entered the Senate District 3 race. Republican incumbent Bruce Tutvedt is being challenged by Jayson Peters and Rollan Roberts II.
In the Polson area’s Senate District 6, Democrat Greg McClure entered the race, joining Republican incumbent Carmine Mowbray, GOP challengers Michael Larson and Janna Taylor and Green Party candidate Cheryl Wolfe.
In Senate District 2, Republican Suzanne Brooks recently entered a race that includes fellow Republicans Bill Beck and Dee Brown along with Democrat David Fern.
In House District 3, Republican incumbent Jerry O’Neil is being challenged by Democrat Zac Perry and Libertarian candidate Shawn Guymon.
In House District 4, Republicans Tim Baldwin and Walter Keathley recently joined a race that includes Democrats Ed Lieser and Tom Muri.
Democrat James Mahnke joined the House District 5 race, challenging Republican incumbent Keith Regier.
Democrat Brenda Talbert entered the House District 6 race, challenging Republican Carl Glimm.
Democrat Diane Frances Taylor entered the House District 7 race, challenging Republican incumbent Randy Brodehl.
In House District 8, Democrat Brittany MacLean is challenging Republican incumbent Steve Lavin.
In House District 9, Democrat Rodrik Brosten and Republican Frank Mutch are challenging Republican incumbent Scott Reichner.
In House District 10, Republican incumbent Mark Blasdel now has a Democratic challenger in Alexander William Schaeffer.
Democrat Bud Koppy entered the House 11 race along with Republican Greg Hertz. The seat is currently held by Rep. Janna Taylor, who is running for the state Senate.