Parties Scramble for Legislative Control

By MOLLY PRIDDY
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Despite the unprecedented spotlight on the race for president, the most competitive and influential races in Montana may be those for the chronically divided state Legislature.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

It's Here: The Official Voters' Guide.

Click on the photo for a downloadable version of the pamphlet produced by the Montana Secretary of State's office.

U.S. Senate Candidates on Parade

Photos by Jerek Wolcott

Republican Bob Kelleher wore a tricked-out pair of sunglasses while opponent Max Baucus sported a more laid-back look during the University of Montana's Homecoming parade Saturday in Missoula. Kelleher's substantial eyebrows became something of a trademark after Comedy Central spoofed his 2002 senatorial race on the Green Party ticket.

The Governor's Race: More Q & A

Photo by Jerek Wolcott

What priority do you give to cleaning up industrial pollution in Montana?



How would you support the increasing number of elderly Montanans?



Do you support a federally run health care system for all Americans? If not, what's your solution to making health care more available and affordable?



How would you develop Montana's oil, gas and coal resources? How would renewable fuels fit into your energy plan?

The Governor's Race: Questions and Answers

Photo by Tiffany Wilson

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, left, joined his Republican challenger, state Sen. Roy Brown, center, and Libertarian Stan Jones for their first gubernatorial debate on Sept. 15 at the University of Montana. Hear their answers to selected questions by clicking on the audio files below.

If elected, how would you represent Montana to the nation?

Do you believe climate change is caused by humans? Would you approve any new coal-fired power plants?

What would you do to help Montanans keep pace with the rising cost of living?

For PSC, District 3: Alan Olson

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 52

BIRTHPLACE: Havre, Mont.

HOME CITY: Roundup, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Jean, three children

EDUCATION: Havre High School; Halliburton Energy Institute, 1982 and 1984

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Thirty years in the oil and gas industry, with Abercrombie Pipeline, Halliburton, and the Oil and Gas Division of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Montana House of Representatives, 2000-2008; Chairman, House Energy and Telecommunications Committee, 2005-2008; Roundup School Board, 1990-2000

MILITARY SERVICE: None

ORGANIZATIONS: Masons, Snowy Mountain Development Corp., 4-H, Montana School Boards Association, Montana Unified School Trust, Roundup Little League

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.alanolson.com/

For PSC, District 1: Gail Gutsche

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 53
BIRTHPLACE: St. Paul, Minn.
HOME CITY: Missoula, Mont.
FAMILY: Single
EDUCATION: B.A. in English, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., 1976
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Writer, consultant; former Development officer for Missoula, Planned Parenthood and the Missoula Urban Demonstraton Project; Program Coordinator for Women's Voices for the Earth; Co-owner and operator of Wild Rockies Tours in Missoula, 1996-2006; Editor of fashion trade magazine in St. Paul, Minn., 1992; Editor/writer for Salt Lake City publishing company, 1991; Editor/writer for Sun Newspapers and sports publications in Minneapolis and St. Paul, 1976-1991
POLITICAL: Member, Montana House of Representatives, 1999-2005;
MILITARY SERVICE: None
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.gailforpsc.com/

For PSC, District 1: Doug Mood

REPUBLICAN
AGE: 64
BIRTH PLACE: Grand Rapids, Minn.
HOME CITY: Seeley-Swan area
FAMILY: Wife Marion, four sons
EDUCATION: Attended the University of Montana, 1962-1967
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Vice President and Director, Pyramid Mountain Lumber, 1970-2001; Sales Manager, Pyramid Mountain Lumber, 1984-2001
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Member, Montana Public Service Commission, 2004-present; Montana House of Representatives, 1997-2004 (House Speaker, 2004); Chairman, Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners; Member, Steering Committee for Northern Tier Transmission Group
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Opportunity (Board of Advisors), Montana Taxpayers Association (Board of Directors), Montana Wood Products Association, Montana Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors), American Legislative Exchange Council, National Federation of Independent Business
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://dougmood.com/

For PSC, District 2: Ron Tussing

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 61
BIRTHPLACE: Buffalo, N.Y.
HOME CITY: Billings, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife Darlene, four daughters
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Sheriff of Lancaster County, Nebraska; superintendent of Nebraska State Patrol; chief of police in Billings
EDUCATION: Criminal justice degree from the University of Nebraska
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Mayor of Billings
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: The Yellowstone Rim Runners, the Yellowstone Valley Cycling Club, the Beartooth Paddlers and Celebrate Billings.
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.tussingforpsc.com/

For PSC, District 2: Brad Molnar

REPUBLICAN
AGE: 58
BIRTHPLACE: Walkerton, Ind.
HOME CITY: Laurel, Mont.
FAMILY: Divorced, three children and 11 grandchildren
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Grain systems contractor
EDUCATION: B.A. in Forestry, University of Montana
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Four terms in the Montana Legislature
MILITARY SERVICE: None
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://molnar4psc.com/

For State Auditor: Monica Lindeen

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 46

BIRTHPLACE: Ogden, Utah

HOME CITY: Huntley, Mont.

FAMILY: Husband David, three children

EDUCATION: B.A. in Education, MSU-Billings, 1992

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Semi-retired, 2000-present; Co-owner/Manager, Montana Communications Network, 1995-2000; Part-time English Instructor, MSU-Billings, 1992

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Montana House of Representatives, 1999-2006; Vice Chairman, Montana Democratic Party, 1997-2000; Candidate, U.S. House of Representatives, 2006; Candidate, Montana House of Representatives, 1996.

MILITARY SERVICE: None

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.lindeen.net/

For State Auditor: Duane Grimes

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 51

BIRTHPLACE: Spokane, Wash.

HOME CITY: Clancy, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Connie, three children

EDUCATION: B.A. in Theology from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., 1983; M.A. in Public Administration, University of Montana, 2000.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Owner, Capital Taxi and UPS-SES Warehouse, Helena, 1999-present; Personnel Officer for Montana Department of Revenue, Helena, 1999-1994; Personnel Analyst, Montana Department of Administration, Helena, 1993-1991; Manager, Corporate Air, Helena and Billings, 1991-1988; Aircraft Mechanic, South Carolina and Idaho, 1988-1983

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Montana House of Representatives, 1993-1998; Montana State Senate, 1999-2006

MILITARY SERVICE: None

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.grimesforauditor.com/

For Supt. of Public Instruction: Elaine Sollie Herman

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 62

BIRTHPLACE: Billings, Mont.

HOME CITY: Helena, Mont.

FAMILY: Single, one daughter

EDUCATION: B.A. in Elementary Education, Montana State University, 1968; Graduate Studies at University of Guam, University of Richmond, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Montana.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Taught elementary school in Montana, Washington, California and Guam; owns a children's clothing story; retired investment adviser

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

MILITARY SERVICE: None

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://electelainesollieherman.com/default.html

For Supt. of Public Instruction: Denise Juneau

DEMOCRAT

AGE: 41

BIRTHPLACE: Billings, Mont.

HOME CITY: Helena, Mont.

FAMILY: Unmarried

EDUCATION: B.A. in English, Montana State University; Master of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education; J.D., The Univeristy of Montana School of Law.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Director of Indian Education, Montana Office of Public Instruction; Clerk for Montana Supreme Court Justices Jim Regnier and Brian Morris; High School Teacher, Browning, Mont., and Newtown, N.D.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: No elective office

MILITARY SERVICE: None

ORGANIZATIONS: Retired MEA-MFT member; Montana Bar Association; Montana Human Rights Network

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.juneauforkids.com

For Governor: Roy Brown

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 57

BIRTHPLACE: Casper, Wyo.

HOME CITY: Billings, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Kim, three children

EDUCATION: B.S. in petroleum engineering, Montana College of Mineral Sciences and Technology, 1974

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Small-Business Owner; Real Estate Consultant

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: State Senator, 2007 to present; Representative, Montana House of Representatives, 1998-2006; Republican Leader, state House, 2005; Legislative Representative, Families Achieving Independence in Montana Statewide Advisory Council

MILITARY SERVICE: None.

ORGANIZATIONS: Chair, Mayfair, 1998; Board Member, Midland Empire Pachyderm Club; Montana Republican Party; Advisory Board, Montana State University-Billings School of Business; Rotary Club International; Parish Council, St. Thomas Church; Member, St. Vincent DePaul Store Committee.
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.roybrownformontana.com

For Governor: Brian Schweitzer

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 53
BIRTHPLACE: Havre, Mont.
HOME CITY: Whitefish, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Nancy, three children
EDUCATION: M.S., Soil Science, Montana State University, 1980: B.S., International Agronomy, Colorado State University, 1978
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Farmer/Rancher, Former International Irrigation Developer
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Governor, State of Montana, 2004-present; Candidate, U.S Senate, 2000; Member, National Drought Task Force, 1999; Member, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Committee, 1993-1999; Member, Montana Rural Development Partnership Board, 1996
MILITARY SERVICE: None
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: brianschweitzer.com

For Attorney General: Tim Fox

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 51
BIRTHPLACE: Hardin, Mont.
HOME CITY: Clancy, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Karen, four children

PROFESSONAL EXPERIENCE: Attorney at Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman law firm in Helena, 2003-present; Vice President and Legal Counsel at Mountain West Bank, 1999-2003; Attorney for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 1998-1999; Private practice, 1993-1996; Environmental Coordinator, Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation, 1990-1993; Attorney with Moulton, Bellingham and Longo Law Firm in Billings, 1988-1990
EDUCATION: B.A., geology, University of Montana, 1981; J.D., University of Montana School of Law, 1987
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: No elective office. Assisted Marc Racicot in his 1995 re-election bid; Appointed by Gov. Judy Martz to serve on the Montana State Banking Board
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: Montana Historical Society, Carroll College Saints Athletic Association, Board of Directors of a faith-based K-12 school, Board of Directors of housing projects for low income and disabled people in Billings, Board of Directors of Billings and Helena Symphony Orchestras, The Florence Crittenton Home

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.timfox4ag.com/

For Attoney General: Steve Bullock

DEMOCRAT

AGE: 42
BIRTHPLACE: Missoula, Mont.
HOME CITY: Helena, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Lisa, three children
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Private Law Practice in Helena, 2004-present; Attorney for Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., 2001-2004; Executive Assistant Attorney General and Acting Chief Deputy with the Montana Department of Justice, 1997-2001; Chief Legal Counsel to the Montana Secretary of State, 1994-1997; Adjunct professor of law, George Washington University Law School, 2002-2004.
EDUCATION: B.A., Claremont McKenna College, 1988; Law Degree, Columbia University Law School, 1994
MILITARY SERVICE: None
POLITICAL EXPERICE: Director of Raise Montana, the state ballot issue to raise Montana's minimum wage, 2006; delegate to the Democratic National Convention, 1992; campaign manager, Joe Mazurek's campaign for attorney general, 1992

ORGANIZATIONS: Raise Montana, Montana Democratic Party, Public Policy Counsel of the Montana Nonprofit Association, Board of Directors of Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies, Gates of the Mountains Foundation, Lewis and Clark County Historical Preservation Commission

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.stevebullock.com

For Chief Justice: Mike McGrath

AGE: 61
BIRTHPLACE: Rapid City, S.D.
HOME CITY: Butte, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Joy, two sons
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Montana Attorney General, 2000-present; Lewis and Clark County Attorney, 1982-2000; Assistant Attorney General, 1976-1982
EDUCATION: Law degree, Gonzaga University School of Law, 1975; B.A., business administration, University of Montana, 1970
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Montana Attorney General, 2000-present; Lewis and Clark County Attorney, 1982-2000; Assistant Attorney General, 1976-1982
MILITARY EXPERIENCE: U.S. Air Force
ORGANIZATIONS: Montana Meth Project, National Association of Attorneys General, Legal Services Association, Montana County Attorneys Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Helena, Helena Friendship Center, Helena Youth Basketball Association
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.mikemcgrath.com/

For Chief Justice: Ron Waterman

AGE: 64
BIRTHPLACE: Newark, N.J.
HOME CITY: Helena, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Mignon, two children
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Litigation Attorney, Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman,
Helena, at present; law clerk for U.S. District Judge W.J. Jameson, 1969- 1970; Admitted to practice in both state and federal courts in Montana and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
EDUCATION: University of Montana, B.A., 1966; University of Montana, J.D., 1969
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: No elective office
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: State Bar of Montana; American Bar Association, State Membership chair, 1973-1977; the American Judicature Society, Board Member, 1979-1983; American Law Institute; and American Bar Foundation, State President, 1987-present; Board of Visitors, University of Montana School of Law; United Way; the Florence Crittenton Home, Grandstreet Community Theater
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.waterman4justice.com/

For U.S. House of Representatives: Denny Rehberg

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 52

BIRTHPLACE: Billings, Mont.
HOME CITY: Billings, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Jan, three children
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Rancher, Rehberg Ranch, 1982-1984, 1996-2000; Intern, Montana State Senate; Legislative Assistant, U.S. Congress
EDUCATION: B.A., Washington State University, 1977; Attended Montana State University, 1973-1974
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: U.S. House of Representatives, 2000-present; Candidate, United States Senate, 1996; Lieutenant Governor, Montana, 1991-1997; Montana State House of Representatives, 1984-1991
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: Billings Chamber of Commerce, Billings Downtown Rotary Club, Montana Rural Development Council, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Guard and Reserve Components Congressional Members Organization

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.dennyrehberg.com/

For U.S. House of Representatives: John Driscoll

DEMOCRAT

AGE: 62

BIRTHPLACE: Los Angeles, Calif.

HOME CITY: Helena, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Kathryn, four children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Training Transformation Integrator, Camber Corporation, 2004-2007; Colonel, Montana Army National Guard, 2002; Joint Staff Officer, U.S Army, 1999-2000; Writer, Community Volunteer/Historian, 1993-1999; Public Utility Regulator, Public Service Commissioner, 1980-1981; Manufacturers' Representative, Self-Employed, 1978; Interregional Fire Crew Boss, Deadman IR Detail to California, U.S. Forest Service, 1978; Smokejumper, Aerial Fire Depot, U.S. Forest Service, 1977; Interregional Fire Crew Member, Bitterroot Interregional Fire Crew, U.S. Forest Service, 1975; Lookout, Magruder Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service, 1969; Smokejumper, Aerial Fire Depot, U.S. Forest Service, 1968; Forest Worker, Magruder Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service, 1965-1967

EDUCATION: Graduate, Strategic Warfare, U. S. Army War College, 1996; Graduate, Operational Warfare, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1989; M.B.A., The University of Montana School of Business Administration, 1981; M.P.A., Energy and Environment, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, 1980; Graduate, Armor Officer Advanced Course, U.S. Army Armor School, 1980; Graduate, Combat Intelligence Staff Officer, U.S. Army Intelligence School, 1971; Graduate, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Commandant List, U.S. Army Infantry School, 1970; M.I.A., Economic Development, Columbia University, School of International Affairs, 1970; B.A., Political Science, Gonzaga University, 1968

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Candidate, U.S. Senate, Montana, 2000; Candidate, Public Service Commission, Montana, Primary Election, 1980, 1984, 1988; Candidate, Public Utility Regulator, Montana Public Service Commission, 1980; Speaker, Montana State House of Representatives, 1977; Majority Leader, Montana House, 1975; Legislator, Montana House, 1973

MILITARY SERVICE: U.S. Army (See Professional Experience)

ORGANIZATIONS: Project Coordinator, The Steward; Society of Industrial Archaeologists; Montana Historical Society; Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute; Butte Historical Society; Chairman, Doctor Steward-Storyteller Project; Electric Power Research Institute; National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://web.mac.com/johndriscoll37/Montana_First/We_Can_Win%21.html

For U.S. Senate: Bob Kelleher

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 85
BIRTHPLACE: Oak Park, Ill.
HOME CITY: Butte, Mont.
FAMILY: Widower, seven children
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Attorney, Kelleher Law Office, Billings and Butte, 1958-present
EDUCATION: PhB, Mount Carmel College at Niagara Falls, Ont., 1945; J.D., Catholic University of America, 1950; M.A., Catholic University of America, 1956; Graduate, U.S. Army Intelligence School, 1962; Graduate, U.S. Army and General Staff School, 1968; Graduate, U.S. Army War College, 1972; Adjunct Professor of Scandinavian Government at Montana State University, 1982-1984
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Candidate for U.S. Senate, 2002, 2006; Candidate for Montana Governor, 2004; Vice Chairman, Butte-Silver Bow Green Party, 2002-2004; Candidate for Montana Senate District 19, 2000; Democratic Nominee for Montana’s Second Congressional District, 1968, 1976; Presidential Candidate in 1976 Democratic Primary; Yellowstone County Delegate to the Montana Constitutional Convention, 1972; Chairman of the Yellowstone County Democratic Coordinating Committee, 1960s
MILITARY SERVICE: U.S. Army officer

ORGANIZATIONS: Volunteer Attorney for Maternal Life International, 1997-present; Co-founder, Billings Ecumenical Committee, 1985; President, Yellowstone Valley Claimants’ Attorneys Association, 1982-1983; President, Montana Department of the Reserve Officers Association, 1964-1965

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.bobkelleher2008.com/

For U.S. Senate: Max Baucus

DEMOCRAT

AGE: 66
BIRTHPLACE: Helena, Mont.
HOME CITY: Missoula, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Wanda, one son

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Attorney, George and Baucus Law Firm, 1971; Attorney, fCivil Aeronautics Board, 1967-1971
EDUCATION: L.L.B., Stanford University Law School, 1967; B.A., Economics, Stanford University, 1964
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: U.S. Senator, 1978-present; U.S. Representative, 1974-1978; State House of Representatives, 1973-1974; Executive Director and Committee Coordinator, Montana Constitutional Convention, 1972
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: Congressional Sportsmens Caucus, Majority Trust Co-Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Democratic Steering and Coordination Committee, Co-chair of Senate Beef Caucus, Senate Information Technology Caucus, Senate Rural Health Caucus, Senate Sweetener Caucus; Senate Tourism Caucus, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Bipartisan Commission on Comprehensive Health Care

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.maxbaucus2008.com/

For Secretary of State: Linda McCulloch

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 53
BIRTHPLACE: Springfield, Ohio
HOME CITY: Missoula, Mont.
FAMILY: Husband, Bill
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Faculty Affiliate, University of Montana, 1995-2000; Elementary School Librarian and Teacher, Ashland, Bonner and Missoula Public Schools.
EDUCATION: M.A., Elementary Education, University of Montana, 1990; B.A., Elementary Education, University of Montana, 1982.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, 2000-present; Montana State House of Representatives, 1994-2000.
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: PTA, Alpha Delta Kappa Educational Association, AAUW, Five Valleys Reading Association, Friends of the UM Library, Fort Missoula Historical Society, League of Women Voters, Missoula Folklore Society, MT Democratic Women’s Club, MT Family Union, Board Member: MT Heritage Project, MT Library Association, Board Member: MT Professional Teaching Foundation, MT State Reading Council, Board Member: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratories, Women Legislator's Lobby
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.mccullochformontana.com/

For Secretary of State: Brad Johnson

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 56
BIRTHPLACE: Lake Forest, Ill.
HOME CITY: Bozeman, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife, Lisa
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Montana Secretary of State, 2004-present; Manager, Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 1985-1989; District Field Representative for Congressman Ron Marlenee, 1983-1984; Volunteer, John Connally for President, 1980;Volunteer, Richard Nixon for President, 1968; RightNow Technologies, small businessman
EDUCATION: M.S., Agriculture, University of Illinois, 1976
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Candidate, United States Senate, Montana, 2002; Candidate, United States Congress, Montana, 2000.
MILITARY SERVICE: None.

ORGANIZATIONS: Executive Board, Montana Republican Board, 1984-1989; Vice President, Glendale Community College Republicans, 1971; Illinois Teenage Republicans, 1967
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.bradjohnson08.com/