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/