Heading into Election Day, the Montana House of Representatives District 1 seat appeared to be wide open.

On Tuesday, Republican Jerry Bennett had a strong showing from the start and handily won the race against opponents Eileen Carney (D) and Freeman Johnson (C).

“I will be the best rep I can be for the district,” Bennett said. “For those that voted for me and those that didn’t.”

Bennett secured the seat with 2,413 votes followed by Carney pooling 1,491 and Johnson rallying 136.

Bennett is already looking to the future and anticipating “an interesting learning curve” as a first-time elected official. Taking over for Ralph Heinert (R), Bennett said he will stay in contact with the outgoing legislator to “pick up things left on the burner.”

An entrepreneur, Bennett worked through Election Day which he said helped with the nerves.

“I would like to thank Carney for running a good campaign,” Bennett said. “The campaign takes a lot of work and I am pleased with the results.”

Carney previously held the HD1 seat for two terms before losing to Heinert. She said Lincoln County used to be Democratic until the mill shut down. With the industry went the labor union, which is often a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party she continued.

Carney knew she was up against a tough opponent with strong financial backing, as well as the county’s political leanings.

She is not done with politics though.

“I will go to work on putting the Lincoln County Democratic Central Committee back together,” said Carney, who believes this lack of leadership could have lead to the large gap between party candidates this election cycle.

Voters re-elect Vincent to 2nd term

By Brandon Roberts

The Western News

Incumbent Chas Vincent cruised to another victory Tuesday as representative for House District 2.

“After being in office and working hard, I was really happy to see that the folks who elected me were satisfied with the work I have accomplished,” Vincent said Wednesday morning.

Vincent (R) defeated political newcomer Tim Linehan (D) with 3,240 to 1,653, respectively. He plans to hit the ground running with several bills to carry this next legislative session.

“There is exciting policy work ahead,” Vincent said. “I am glad to be a part of and in the front on some groundbreaking policies.”

Vincent said during the interim session he worked closely with many legislators in Helena.

“Building bi-partisan relationships will help me to be more effective in passing legislation,” he said.

When incumbency rates are consistently above 80 percent, political challengers face an uphill battle. Linehan knew the obstacle was great, but was not deterred from trying.

“I always wanted to run for office and knew that someday I would,” Linehan said. “I consider this a starting point, we knew we were the underdog. Congratulations to Chas, he did a great job.”

Linehan said he has just completed “Campaigning 101” and that he learned a great deal from Lincoln County residents.

“We may have an ‘R’ or ‘D’ by our names, but on the core issues, we are not that far apart,” Linehan said of his conversations while campaigning door-to-door.