7 June 2016

Western Montana primaries Flathead Memo is watching

Legislature

In Flathead County, the Republican primaries in Senate District 3 (Don Kaltschmidt v. Rep. Keith Regier) and House District 11 (Jean Barragan v. former Rep. Derek Skees). In Lake and Missoula Counties, the Democratic primary in Senate District 47 (Tom France v. former Rep. Joey Jayne).

The Flathead GOP contests should be close. Based on the amount of money raised and spent, I think France has the advantage in SD-47.

Public Service Commission

In PSC district 4 (Granite, Lincoln, Mineral, Sanders, Powell, and Missoula Counties), the Democratic primary between former PSC commissioner Gail Gutsche of Missoula and Mark Sweeney of Phillipsberg.

Both candidates have waged vigorous campaigns, but Missoula based Gutsche, who has the backing of Bernie Sanders Democrats, probably has the edge. The list of contributors to both campaigns provides a fascinating look at intra-party rivalries.

County Commissioner

In Flathead County, the Republican primary between incumbent Pam Holmquist and fairgrounds worker Tim Harmon. Both have waged active campaigns, and incumbency is not always an advantage for this quasi administrative-legislative office.

In Missoula County, the Democratic primary between former Missoula city councilman Dave Stromaier and appointed commissioner Stacy Rye, also a former member of Missoula's city council. Both have impressive credentials. Stromaier seems to have the support of the Bernie Sanders Democrats, but I don't know enough about Missoula to provide a credible opinion on his odds of winning.