Montana Democrats announce change in directors

Democratic Party announces change in directors

HELENA (AP) — The Montana Democratic Party is getting a new executive director less than two weeks after big election losses to the Republicans.

Executive Director David Benson was released last week. The party says Service Employees International Union political director Ted Dick of Helena will replace him.

A Democratic party spokesman says the election losses have nothing to do with the change, and says no other moves are planned.

Montana Democrats lost many seats in the state House to the GOP, which will hold a commanding 68-32 seat advantage in that chamber.

Democrats appear to have eked out a high-profile Senate race win, where Rep. Kendall Van Dyk beat incumbent Billings Sen. Roy Brown in a race that is subject to a recount. But the GOP will still control that chamber 28-22.

HELENA (AP) — The Montana Democratic Party is getting a new executive director less than two weeks after big election losses to the Republicans.

Executive Director David Benson was released last week. The party says Service Employees International Union political director Ted Dick of Helena will replace him.

A Democratic party spokesman says the election losses have nothing to do with the change, and says no other moves are planned.

Montana Democrats lost many seats in the state House to the GOP, which will hold a commanding 68-32 seat advantage in that chamber.

Democrats appear to have eked out a high-profile Senate race win, where Rep. Kendall Van Dyk beat incumbent Billings Sen. Roy Brown in a race that is subject to a recount. But the GOP will still control that chamber 28-22.