Democrats switch Senate candidates

After the recent withdrawal of Betsy Cummings as a candidate for Senate District 4, Flathead County Democrats nominated House District 9 candidate Diane Taylor to take her place on the general election ballot.

Cummings withdrew her challenge to Republican Mark Blasdel, submitting a statement to the Flathead Democratic Party.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my name as a candidate for Senate District 4,” she said. “While it would be a great privilege to serve the people of Montana, I have found that I simply do not have the time and energy to campaign, and be the wife and devoted mother of my twins that I want to be.”

Taylor was nominated and elected by a unanimous vote of precinct committee members at a special meeting held by the Central Committee of the Flathead Democratic Party to replace Cummings on the ballot. Members spoke positively about Taylor, her commitment to the people of Montana, and her extensive knowledge of the issues that matter to residents of Kalispell.

The committee is now seeking nominations to replace Taylor as a candidate in the House District 9 race against Republican Rep. Randy Brodehl. 

Taylor is a retired school librarian and middle school math teacher, with a career that included 21 years at Helena Flats School. She graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in elementary education. She is a Deer Park School district trustee, a moderator for the Community Congregational United Church of Christ and a Literacy volunteer.

According to the Flathead County Election Department, parties can nominate replacements for races if a candidate withdraws after winning a primary election. Aug. 11 is the deadline for candidates to withdraw and replacement nominations must made no less than 76 days before the general election.