Politics & Government
The Daily Inter Lake’s Politics & Government section delivers updated local and national political coverage, featuring legislative developments, elections, policy debates, and government actions shaping Montana.
Sam Forstag declares victory in Dem primary for US House
Missoula smokejumper Sam Forstag declared victory Wednesday morning in a four-way contested primary among Democrat…
Three Republicans vie for open House seat
Three Republican candidates — Sandy Welch, Harm Toren and Jerry O’Neil — are competing in the primary election for House District 3 in the Columbia Falls/Canyon area.
Four seek new judge position
Two Flathead Valley attorneys and two judges are running for a new Flathead County District Court judge position.
Veteran, newcomer vie for Senate nomination
For Rep. Jon Sonju, the Montana Legislature’s prime task is to do anything and everything to improve the state’s economy.
Clerk and recorder candidates tout experience
There’s no shortage of experience in this year’s Flathead County clerk and recorder race.
Whitefish levy approved but Kalispell's fails
Voters in Whitefish approved a levy request for the elementary school district Tuesday, but levies in the Kalispell and Kila district were defeated.
Schools hold elections Tuesday
Voters in nine school districts go to the polls Tuesday to approve or deny levy requests and decide school board trustees.
Former commissioner wants job back
Howard Gipe says there’s one big thing that puts him head and shoulders above most of the candidates vying for the District 2 county commission seat: He’s got …
District 7 hopefuls want tax burdens eased
The two buzz words in the upcoming election are “jobs” and “budget,” and the treatment of those issues by candidates Randy Brodehl, Steven Thompson and Karen Reeves likely will determine the next representative for…
Candidate backs planning, property rights
Pam Holmquist doesn’t see property rights and planning as adversaries. In fact, just the opposite is true, the longtime Evergreen businesswoman contends.
Three seek House District 4 nomination
The primary election race for House District 4 in Whitefish features candidates William Geisse, Damon Pace and Derek Skees as contenders for the Republican slot on the November ballot.
Contractor eyes county post as 'civic duty'
Patrick Nickol has operated his own contracting business for the past decade and believes that small-business experience gives him a good foundation for being …
Candidate emphasizes rule of law
There’s a recurring theme that runs through Noel Gorton’s platform as she campaigns for the Flathead County District 2 commissioner seat:
Incumbent applies life lessons from dad
Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman says he has no grand illusion that it will be easy to get re-elected for another six years.
Four school districts have variety of trustee choices
A variety of trustee choices await voters in Smith Valley, Somers-Lakeside, West Valley and Whitefish school districts.
Who's running for school board?
Thirty-seven candidates are vying for 19 open seats on school boards in nine Flathead County districts.