Vincent strives for seat in state senate

Reps. Chas Vincent and Gerald Bennett of Libby both filed their paperwork last week in an effort to continue their public service to Montana. In Vincent’s case, the road to Helena has a different twist as he filed for the Senate District 1 seat currently held by Aubyn Curtiss.

“Sen. Curtiss is termed out so it’s an open seat,” Vincent said. “Besides, there is also the overall benefit of representing more Lincoln County residents in Helena.”

The larger constituency base represents an obvious attraction but Vincent, 32, also said he is eager to have more of an impact on budget issues. Vincent, currently serving his second term in the House, said the state budget is “$400 million upside down” and he believes a special session will likely be called before the end of the fiscal year.

“You have a little bit more say into the budget of Montana,” said Vincent, explaining that the Senate does the final “tweaking” on such issues. “I think that’s going to be really important this next legislative session.”

Bennett’s name had not yet appeared on a list of filings that appeared online with the secretary of state’s office Monday morning. But it was confirmed Monday via telephone that he had filed for re-election in House District 1. Bennett is vying for his second term.

Meanwhile, Mike Cuffe of Eureka filed for the HD 2 seat currently occupied by Vincent. Cuffe owns Big Sky Publications and Advertising, and has a background in the media and timber industries. He also worked as a press secretary for U.S. Rep. Richard Shoup.

As of Monday, no candidates had filed to run against Vincent, Bennett or Cuffe.

On the national level, Dennis McDonald (D-Melville) filed Thursday for the U.S. House of Representatives seat held by Republican Denny Rehberg, who will run for a sixth two-year term. Running against McDonald in the Democratic primary are two candidates from Missoula – Tyler Gernant and Melinda Gopher. In the GOP primary, A.J. Otjen of Laurel will challenge Rehberg.

The filing period for political offices in November’s election continues through March 15. The primary election will be held June 8 to determine candidates for the Nov. 2 general election.