Filings lead to contested state races

Havre firefighter and convenience store manager Jack Trethewey filed Tuesday as a Democratic candidate in the race for Montana House District 33, which covers western Hill County.  Republican Kristin Hansen, chief deputy Hill County attorney, filed as a candidate in the district on Jan. 14.  Incumbent Democrat Bob Bergren of Havre, speaker of the House, cannot run for re-election due to term limits.  In House District 29, which includes eastern Chouteau, Judith Basin and western Fergus counties, Rep.  Edward “Ed” Butcher, R-Winifred, also faces a Democratic challenger.  Democrat Kurt Myllymaki of Stanford filed Monday, the same day Butcher, a former state senator, filed as a candidate.  The two races are the only contested legislative races as of this morning.  Incumbent Rep.  Tony Belcourt, D-Box Elder, has not filed as yet, although he has said he intends to file for re-election.  That would lead to a contested primary, as Democrat J.P. “Chunker” Walker of Harlem filed Jan. 20.  In other area legislative races, Rep. Wendy Warburton, R-Havre, has filed for re-election in House District 34, which includes parts of Hill and Blaine counties.  Rep.  Roy Hollandsworth, R-Brady, also filed for re-election in House District 28, which includes Liberty and parts of Chouteau and Toole counties.  The only candidate to file as yet for Senate District 17, which includes Hill and Blaine counties, is Havre minister Rowl ie Hut ton, who f i led as a Republican Jan. 14.  Sen.  Ken “Kim” Hansen, D-Harlem, cannot run for re-election due to term limits.  On the federal level, U.S. Rep.  Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., had not filed for re-election as of this morning for Montana’s sole seat in the House of Representatives.  His campaign has said Rehberg welcomes any challengers in both the primary and general election.  Former Montana Democratic Party Chair Dennis McDonald, a Melvillearea rancher, and Tyler Gernant, a Missoula attorney, have filed as Democratic candidates.  Democrat Melinda Gopher has not filed as yet, although a representative of her campaign said the Missoula writer still intends to file.  Montana State University Billings professor A.J. Otjen has filed to oppose Rehberg in the Republican primary.