It's no secret that 2012 is an important election year, but with so much media attention focused on Republican presidential primary candidates and the 14-or-so Montana gubernatorial candidates, some key elections here in the Flathead deserve notice.

In Flathead politics, two Republicans have announced their interest in Commissioner Dale Lauman's job - Gerald Scott and Terry Kramer, both of Kalispell.

But the three openings for district court judge will probably draw the most candidates. The Flathead got a taste of this in 2010 when four candidates vied for a newly created district court position and six more vied for the two Justice of the Peace positions. District court judges Stewart Stadler and Katherine Curtis told the Hungry Horse News they will not run for re-election. Judge Ted Lympus said he will.

With state Sen. Ryan Zinke, R-Whitefish, running for lieutenant governor, two local House veterans have announced their intention to run for Zinke's seat, which represents Columbia Falls, Whitefish and the north valley - Republicans Dee Brown, of Coram, and Bill Beck, of Whitefish. The House District 3 incumbent, Republican Jerry O'Neil, says he's running again.

Some local legislative races still have no announced candidates, but a lot will change following the opening day for registering on Jan. 12. The deadline for filing for office is March 12.

Presidential elections usually draw more voters to the ballot boxes, but two other national races will attract Montana voters. In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester is being challenged by Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg in what is turning out to be a hotly contested race with national repercussions in Washington, D.C.

Rehberg's move means Montana's lone House seat will be up for grabs. So far seven candidates have said they want the job, including two Republicans and five Democrats. Diane Smith, a Democratic businesswoman from Whitefish, is a local contender.

The gubernatorial race is even busier. With Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer term-limited out, 14 candidates so far have their eyes on the governor's mansion, including two Democrats, nine Republicans, one Libertarian, one independent and one candidate with no declared party affiliation.

Four of the Republicans are from Helena, including Neil Livingstone, with Zinke as his running mate. Also from Helena and leading in contributions for both parties is Democrat Steve Bullock, the Montana Attorney General.

Which leaves the state attorney general seat up for grabs. So far one Republican and two Democrats have expressed interest in that job. Two Republicans have shown interest in the Secretary of State office, including Brad Johnson, who held the office for one term before losing to incumbent Democrat Linda McCulloch.

One Republican has declared interest in the State Auditor job - Derek Skees, the Kalispell builder who currently represents Whitefish's House District 4. And one Republican has her eyes set on the state Superintendent of Public Instruction job - Sandy Welch, a former teacher and principal from Martin City.

On top of all that, there will be more than half a dozen initiatives and referendums on issues ranging from taxes, medical marijuana and supreme court elections to abortion, eminent domain and denying services to illegal aliens.