Just a couple of thoughts about tomorrow’s primary in a few statewide and local races, from my narrow vantage point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to vote. You can check your registration status and polling place on this handy tool at the Secretary of State’s page.
Democratic Nomination for Congress
I think Tyler Gernant wins this race narrowly tomorrow. While Dennis McDonald certainly had an advantage in name recognition and connection to the party establishment, Gernant’s had a much more energetic and visible campaign. Here in Helena and driving around the state (admittedly the Western part for the most part), I’ve seen more signs for Gernant and he has been much more active in the traditional media and the the ‘net. It’s going to be close, but I think Gernant wins with 50-55% of the vote in a four person race.
If Gernant does indeed win, it’s time for the traditional labor power brokers to reconsider their approach a bit. I don’t think they have the influence in Montana progressive politics that they used to—or still seem to imagine that they do. A Gernant win would be a further sign of that diminished role.
Why haven’t I endorsed either candidate? To be honest, both would be such an improvement over Representative Rehberg that I’m happy to support either in the fall. I’ll be casting my vote for Mark French tomorrow, anyway.
Republican Nomination for Congress
While I don’t share the views of the astute observers on Montana politics at Fox News about tomorrow’s race on the Republican side, it’s been interesting to watch Rehberg scramble to smear his hypocritical “constitutionalist” opponent while simultaneously appealing to the Tea Party fringe.
Rehberg wins this contest easily, but with around 70% of the vote. The real question will be whether or not the constitutionalist fringe will stick with Rehberg in the fall or follow their principles and reject his socialistic ways.
Local races below the fold.
Senate District 40-Democratic
The most hotly contested race in Helena has to be the Democratic primary in SD 40 which pits Representative Dave Gallik against Representative Mary Caferro. Both are hard-working, energetic candidates who have the interests of working Montanans at the top of their agenda, and both would make excellent Senators. I think Gallik wins the nomination by the narrowest of margins.
House District 78-Democratic
I think Democrats would be better served if Molly Severtson won the primary, but name recognition will be a huge plus for Joe Cohenour. Even though he hasn’t been terribly successful in past runs, through previous campaigns and his wife’s elections, more voters in a relatively quiet primary are likely to vote for him.
House District 78-Republican
This is certainly a tough race to call. You’ve got Phoebe Williams, who is running on no issues and the most annoying radio ad in campaign history. You’ve got Bowen Greenwood, who simultaneously hangs out at Tea Parties and decries government spending while appealing to potential East Helena voters by saying he won’t cut state jobs and would support the state funding the Historical Center in Helena. Finally, you’ve got Steve Gibson, who has been relatively quiet during this primary following a particularly nasty fight with Jill Cohenhour in 2008.
I think Greenwood’s unique job that offers unmatched time to campaign will give him the edge tomorrow.
No should appear at other websites now, anything that I required is here
A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little evaluation on this. And he in actual fact bought me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If attainable, as you develop into expertise, would you mind updating your weblog with extra details? It is extremely helpful for me. Big thumb up for this weblog put up!
The subsequent time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to read, however I really thought youd have something fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you may repair in the event you werent too busy looking for attention.
Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort.
You need to participate in a contest for among the best blogs on the web. I’ll recommend this website!
Good write-up, I¡¦m normal visitor of one¡¦s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
I have learn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you place to make the sort of magnificent informative website.
Hello les amis que pensez-vous de mon nouveau site sur les croisieres ?
I’m often to running a blog and i really recognize your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and maintain checking for new information.
Wow, amazing blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for? you made running a blog glance easy. The entire glance of your website is excellent, neatly as the content!
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
As soon as I observed this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
This is a good subject to talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. I dont think this would be the best to submit though. I will be sure to submit something else though.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
Tremendous posting have got to, youd put major time and energy into it We can tell! Your current web site is excellent on top of that. How much time could the idea take anyone to establish this incredible website approximately wherever it really is nowadays?
whoah this weblog is wonderful i like reading your posts. Stay up the good paintings! You already know, lots of people are looking around for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Coucou les amis quel est votre avis de mon nouveau site sur le diagnostic immobilier?
I like your tool for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and you will be checking back soon.
Great post. Just helpful cheat sheets. Now maybe I??????ll get my head wrapped around this stuff. Probably not, but it??????s a purpose. Gotta get them goals.
Thank you for spending some time and revealing this information with us all. It was indeed very useful and insightful while being straight forward and to the point.