Bullock to headline Pasma-Peck Dinner

With 80 days left until November’s election, Gov. Steve Bullock is slated to galvanize local Democrats Tuesday when he serves as keynote speaker at the annual Pasma-Peck Dinner at the Eagle’s Club in Havre.

Bullock is fending off a challenge from Bozeman entrepreneur Republican Greg Gianforte as he runs for a second term.

A representative with the governor’s office said he will arrive at the fundraiser after attending two events on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation: a roundtable discussion on apprenticeship programs at Stone Child College at 3:45 p.m. and a meeting with the Chippewa Cree Business Committee at 4:30 p.m.

Hill County Democratic Party Chair Brenda Skornogoski said attendees will be able to dine on prime rib. Admission will be $35 or $15.50 for college students.

All proceeds will go to the local Democratic Party.

The dinner, Skornogoski said, is named in honor of legendary political figures Hill County Democratic Party Chair Jim Pasma and former state Rep. Ray Peck. It is the county party’s largest fundraiser and allows individual candidates to raise money and rally the party around their candidacies.

“It’s been an opportunity to listen to candidates give their take on the issues,” she said.  

As has become tradition, the event will also hold what organizers call the Republican auction, where many people put money in but a few walk away with an item. In the past, organizers have joked that it represents the Republican Party’s economic plan.

Skornogoski said it is not known if there will be a silent auction this year.

In addition to Bullock, she said, Jacob Bachmeier, the party’s candidate for state representative from Havre, will speak. Bachmeier is trying to unseat incumbent Stephanie Hess, R-Havre, in House District 28.

Skornogoski said James Bedwell, Democratic candidate for Hill County Commissioner, will also have the opportunity to speak.

Bedwell, a longtime Hill County employee, launched a successful write-in campaign in June’s primary elections to be the party’s candidate to fill Seat 2 on the commission, which is now held by retiring commissioner Jeff LaVoi.

He will face off against Hill County Superintendent of Schools Diane McLean, a Republican, and  businessman Ted Solomon, an independent in the general election.

Skornogoski did not know Wednesday if any other area candidates for area legislative seats will be attending.

She said invitations were extended to all Democratic candidates vying for statewide office in Montana, but, aside from Bullock, none will be attending.

She said the sparse attendance by state candidates can likely be attributed to their campaign schedules. Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Melissa Romano and candidate for Secretary of State Monica Lindeen recently were in Havre and spoke to local Democrats.

The event had in recent years been held on Festival Days Weekend in September, but last year the dinner was moved to Oct. 7 closer to the time slot it held when it was called the Harvest Dinner.

Skornogoski said the dinner was rescheduled so as not to conflict with other events during Festival Days and to boost attendance.  

“We’re experimenting with when to hold it,” Skornogoski said.  

She said that this year, they asked Bullock to select a date that fit his schedule.

The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host bar.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m followed by speeches.