Windy Boy plans to run for Montana House

Nineteen months before the 2016 state House elections, races are already shaping up.

State Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, said he is preparing to challenge state Rep. G. Bruce Meyers, R-Box Elder in the November 2016 balloting in House District 32.

Windy Boy has served eight consecutive years in the senate, the maximum allowed under Montana's term-limits law.

But in his traditional farewell speech to his colleagues, Windy Boy made the prediction "I'll be back."

Windy Boy told reporters he hadn't finished his work in Helena and hoped to continue supporting legislation on encouraging use of Native languages and providing health care to poor people.

Meyers didn't respond to requests for comment.

But Republicans believe he will seek a second term.

Meyers made history in November 2014 when he was elected to the House from the district, one of the most heavily Democratic areas in the state.

The district includes Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap Indian reservations, the city of Harlem and surrounding ranch and farm areas.

Windy Boy said he felt his record spoke for itself, that he had been a vigorous defender of his district's needs.

Windy Boy served in the Montana House for three two-year terms, and then was elected to two four-year terms in the Senate.

Windy Boy said that under Montana law, he is now entitled to run again for the House for four more terms, and then, could, if he wants, run for the Senate again.