A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Filing the C-1 Statement of Candidate form with Montana’s Commissioner of Political Processes allows candidates to begin fundraising in advance of their formal filing for office with the Secretary of State in January, 2016. Serious candidates do this months in advance of the formal filing date.
Thus far, as displayed in the table below, at least one Republican has filed a C-1 for each of Montana’s five statewide partisan offices; four have filed for governor, and State Sen. Taylor Brown reportedly is testing the waters. No Democrat has filed a C-1 for attorney general. State Rep. Matt Monforton reportedly is considering a primary challenge to incumbent GOP AG Tim Fox.
The occupants of these offices comprise Montana’s Land Board, which manages state trust lands. At present, Democrats hold a 4–1 majority. Were Republicans to become the majority, the current balance between conservation and development would be recalibrated.
