Flathead Republican candidates for county and state primary races got a chance to build support on Thursday night while going head-to-head on issues relevant to Flathead Valley voters.

The Flathead County Republican Woman hosted the “meet and greet” event at the Hampton Inn. After the social, about 100 people packed into the conference room and doorways to hear Flathead GOP candidates speak on local issues.

Roy Antley moderated the forum, asking questions to candidates in contested races while providing a grab-bag of questions for uncontested candidates.

SENATE DISTRICT 3

Political newcomer Don “K” Kaltschmidt of Whitefish took on current House Majority Leader Rep. Keith Regier of Kalispell on a number of issues in the House District 3 race.

Kaltschmidt noted his his conservative stand, but said he believes he has the ability to find common ground with liberal voters.

“It’s time for people to step up into leadership positions and it’s time to stop fighting as a party,” Kaltschmidt said.

Regier is running for the first time for a Senate seat, having termed out in the House. He cited his experience as former majority whip and current majority leader to validate his name on the ballot.

“I have rapport with the Republicans and I have respect from the Democrats. I did that without compromising conservative values,” Regier said.

When asked whether they would support legislation to allow state legislators to carry a weapon while in state buildings, Kaltschmidt said he’d have to think about it.

“That’s a tough one for me,” Kaltschmidt said. “I would have to look at that issue. I’m not sure I’m ready to support that at this time. That’s a very, very important decision.”

Kaltschmidt, however, did say he would support gun owners if elected. Later in the forum, uncontested house candidate and incumbent Rep. Frank Garner of Kalispell also said he would have to further examine the issue, saying a gun in every person’s hand is not necessarily a good solution.

Regier appeared to have a clearer answer.

“The short answer is yes,” Regier said, although he included that he would request lawmakers obtain a concealed carry permit. “If there’s someone who’s coming into the capitol building and starts shooting up the place, I would like to see state legislators taking them out before they do much damage at all.”

Both candidates expressed concern about accepting Syrian refugees into Montana. Kaltschmidt proposed a vetting process for incoming refugees, while Regier said he would rather that “Muslim countries step up and start taking their own.”

Both candidates agreed on not raising the gas tax.

In the last question, both candidates got the chance to define their conservatism.

“I am pro-life; I am pro-Second Amendment; I am a conservative,” Regier said. “I believe in delayed satisfaction.”

Kaltschmidt responded, “I’m a Republican because I’m a businessman. I’m not for government bailouts. I’m the one who writes the checks, just like you.”

HOUSE DISTRICT 11

Former state Rep. Derek Skees and Jean Barragan, a Republican and government professor at University of Great Falls, debated Sharia Law, school systems and federal land transfers in a battle for House District 11, which represents Lakeside and Somers voters.

“I’m very idealistic about this race,” said Barragan, a Lakeside resident for 40 years. “Lakeside and Somers have chosen to not incorporate because they don’t believe in expanded government. We haul our own garbage, we have a volunteer fire department. I’m really interested in running because I know the least amount of government is the best amount of government.”

Skees said he has been an active community leader and is involved with the Republican Central Committee.

“I don’t think voting against Sharia Law has any indication that has to do with freedom of religion,” Barragan said. “There isn’t any way I would vote for Sharia Law in the state of Montana."

Skees agreed, stating any law that isn’t in the Montana or U.S. Constitution is irrelevant.

Asked about more choices for schools in Montana, candidates agreed on choice but differed on how Montana schools measure against the world.

“If you notice our schools in America, our schools are failing when you look at other industrial countries,” Skees said. “The thing that works is competition. Competition works in schools, too.”

Barragan agreed some schools are below average, but refuted the idea that Montana schools as a whole are substandard.

“Montana schools do very well in public education,” she said. “I am definitely in favor of school choice. School choice has to mean that we keep our public schools strong, because 80 percent of our students will matriculate at some point in public education.”

Both candidates agreed that Common Core standards are unnecessary in Montana.

FLATHEAD COUNTY COMMISSION

Incumbent Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist went toe-to-toe with her challenger, fairgrounds Maintenance Supervisor Tim Harmon.

Harmon said his love of public service would be present in the commissioner’s seat.

“I like being a public servant, so do those who work for me,” Harmon said. “But I know there’s a lot more to it than just saying you’re willing.”

Holmquist cited 38 years of business experience prior to serving as commissioner as the preparation she needed to successfully run the county.

When asked about a local-option sales tax, Holmquist said the funding mechanism has worked well for Whitefish and could serve the county budget well, but the tax does not align with her conservative views.

“It’s a good economic driver,” she said. “I’m against taxes, but it would be up to the citizens.”

Harmon also is opposed to such a tax, but said it would be up to voters.

Antley asked the candidates about alleviating the overcrowded jail, and Harmon said the problem has existed far longer than in the recent news.

“This is a multifaceted question, but we’ll need a new jail,” he said. “I don’t know why we didn’t ask this question 12 years ago.”

Holmquist said the county is already preparing to request a bond to purchase property for a new jail. She also said the county is considering ideas such as ankle monitors for low-priority criminals to help create space in the county jail.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.