By Martin J. Kidston
Montanas rising political stars joined forces Saturday night under the Democratic banner of a kicking Donkey for a night of satire, chicken and talks of political takeovers.
Its nice to be here tonight among the majority the majority of Democrats, Rep. Ray Peck, D-Havre said. I think election 2000 will be a very exciting year for us, and I think we will even take the Governors seat.
Peck built the momentum for what would prove to be a night of Democratic racket and campaign announcements announcements which ranged from the Governors seat to U.S. House and Senate.
Im looking at getting into the Gubernatorial race, and will probably do so within the next two weeks, former State Congressman and Democrat Mark Okeef said before speaking on the importance of education. They, the Republicans, still dont realize that education is fundamental to the economic development of this state.
State Superintendent of Information Nancy Keenan, D-Helena, also spoke of education, and eluded to a possible run for the U.S. Congressional seat.
Its time we considered firing our U.S. Senator, and firing our U.S. Congressman, she said. Keenan looked at U.S. Senatorial hopeful Brian Schweitzer, D-Whitefish, and said, hes already in the run for the Senate, and Im seriously considering a run for Congress.
Education is my passion, and it has always been my passion, Keenan said. To be able to represent that on a national level would be a natural pursuit.
Other campaign announcements for the Democratic party included Rep. David Ewer, D-Helena for State Auditor, Rep. Linda McCoulloch, D-Missoula for State Superintendent of Public Schools, Democrat Gail Gray for Superintendent of Public Schools, and current Louis and Clark County Attorney, Democrat Mike McGrath for the State Attorney Generals Office.
Rep. Toni Hagener, D-Havre, the Hill County Commissioners, President of the Havre Democratic Womans Club and city Councilwoman Emily Mayor-Lossing, Jon Tester, D-Big Sandy and Sen. Greg Jergenson, D-Chinook were also at the forum, amongst others.
