Democrats challenge GOP dominance over House seat

HELENA — A large Democratic field running for Congress faces a difficult task: First survive a crowded primary battle, and then retake a seat Democrats haven't won in 18 years.

The field seems to be solidifying into two groups as the March 12 filing deadline approaches: Three fundraising front-runners seeking to prove they can win in November — and several others with little financial backing who are nonetheless hoping to appeal to the party's liberal base.

Democrats haven't mounted a strong challenge for the seat since 2000, when State School Superintendent Nancy Keenan came relatively...