Bullock vying to run national group

 HELENA (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock is vying to chair the group dedicated to electing Democratic governors — a position that would give him a prominent platform as he heads into his own re-election bid.

Bullock spokesman Dave Parker confirmed the governor is seeking the position, which will be filled at the Democratic Governors Association annual meeting in Los Angeles next week.

“Governor Bullock is a Democratic governor who knows how to balance a budget, keep money in the bank for a rainy day and prioritize public schools,” Parker said. “Folks have noticed what Gov. Bullock is doing out here and some of his colleagues have encouraged him to consider running. He’s doing that.”

If selected, Bullock would have to court national donors, travel frequently and recruit candidates for the 2016 gubernatorial races.

The outgoing chair of the group, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, is a cautionary tale about the high-profile post.

Democrats had a dismal election this year, losing multiple governorships and failing to dislodge Republican incumbents. Shumlin himself barely won re-election in a heavily Democratic state.

Parker said Bullock might only serve one year in the position, rather than the traditional two. That way Bullock, who was narrowly elected in 2012, could focus on his own 2016 re-election bid.

Montana Republicans were quick to slam Bullock for angling for the post.

“He’s talked about his disdain for dark money in elections and he’s going to be the head of an organization where’s he’s reaching out and catering to those very groups that he’s been criticizing,” said Montana Republican Party executive director Chris Shipp. “It’s hypocrisy at its finest.”

Bullock would become the second Montana Democrat with a high-profile, partisan role. Sen. Jon Tester was recently selected to chair the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which oversees the party’s U.S. Senate races.