Process started to fill possible Sonju vacancy

The Flathead County Republican Central Committee has outlined a process to replace state Sen. Jon Sonju, R-Kalispell, if he is elected lieutenant governor, and recruitment for candidates is under way.

Sonju is the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill.

“In fairness to both the residents of [Senate District 4] and the potential appointed interim senator, the Central Committee believes it is best to recruit for this potential vacancy before the Nov. 6 election,” a press release from the committee states.

“The Central Committee wishes to minimize time the residents of SD4 would themselves be without a senator and to provide the would-be interim senator time to prepare for the new legislative session and best serve his or her constituents needs.”

Applicants are asked to submit proof of eligibility to represent the district, resumes, letters of intent, background information, questionnaires, as well as a $50 application fee.

Application materials can be picked up at the Republican headquarters at 116 Main Street in Kalispell Monday through Saturday. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 7.

The nomination committee will review appplications and schedule interviews if necessary. The committee will choose three candidates to submit to the Flathead County commissioners, who would select an interim senator.

Sonju’s term will expire at the beginning of the 2015 legislative session. Applicants are encouraged to review Sonju’s positions on various issues and his interactions with constituents to decide if they are a close fit for the voters of SD4.

More information is available on the Central Committee’s website at http://www.flatheadrepublicans.com