New (Montana Legislative) map pits GOP against GOP | Great Falls Tribune

[Ediacara]

New map pits GOP against GOP
2004 districts force some Republican incumbents to run against each other

By MIKE DENNISON
Tribune Capitol Bureau


Tribune Photo by John W. Liston
Rick Ripley stands on Highway 200
the new dividing line for District
17 Friday near Bowman's Corner.
The new boundaries put Ripley and
a fellow Republican, Rep. Larry
Lehman of Choteau, in the same
district.

HELENA -- State Rep. Jim Peterson of Buffalo says he's running for the Legislature again this year -- but to win, he'll have to beat fellow Republican Rep. Dave Kasten in the primary election.

"I don't look forward to running against a fellow Republican, but if I'm going to stay involved, I need to file and run," he said. "It doesn't appear that I have any choice."

Peterson and Kasten, who's from Brockway, live more than 200 miles apart. But thanks to new legislative boundaries drawn this year, they're now in the same House district.

"I guess we'll have to let the people decide," shrugged Kasten.

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[Wetzelbill]

1. being a former and future Montanan that doesn't hurt my feelings any

[montanacowboy]

2. Also being a former and future Montanan

I agree Wetzelbill! Let them kill each other off.

[Ediacara]

3. I agree, especially since the current map

..has the State House almost tied. This map change will probably bring the House into Dem hands, and the Senate closer to parity.