EDITORIAL: June primary could be interesting

In case you didn’t notice, the Montana presidential primary election on June 7 just might be relevant.

If so, it would be the first time in decades that Montana played a significant role in either party’s selection of its presidential nominee.

For some reason, the state stubbornly insists on holding its primary on the last day of the primary season, along with California, New Jersey and a handful of other states. By that time, most presidential nomination fights are long since decided, and if they aren’t, then candidates flock to delegate-rich California or New Jersey, not Montana.

But this year, as you know, Donald Trump is locked in a death match with the GOP establishment (and, to a lesser extent, Ted Cruz) that could even carry on to the convention in July. Every delegate counts, even Montana’s 27.

Heck, even the Democratic primary could be relevant because Bernie Sanders has pledged to keep fighting until the convention. Even though he is well behind, Sanders probably sees an opening that may give him the nomination if Hillary Clinton is felled by Email-gate.

Given the current lay of the land, Montanans may even get to see one or two of the remaining presidential candidates in early June — probably in an airport rally.

Of course, the presidency is not the only contest on the ballot in June. We will also have a chance to weigh in on our choices for various state and local offices from governor on down.

Most interesting locally, perhaps, will be the Republican primary in the county commissioner race. Incumbent Pam Holmquist faces a challenge from Tim Harmon, the county fairgrounds maintenance supervisor. The winner will face Democrat Eileen Lowery in the November election.

There are a number of contested legislative races in Northwest Montana as well, but the most intriguing is the race in Senate District 3, where businessman Don Kaltschmidt is facing popular legislator Keith Regier in the GOP primary. Kaltschmidt may have the edge in name recognition — at least if voters figure out that he is Don “K” — but Regier is the current House majority leader and is known as an effective representative.

As in all races, we encourage everyone to vote — and to educate themselves first. This is serious business. Don’t leave the results to chance.