Flurry of Republicans file, Democrats take their time

With record-setting activity in the Montana Secretary of State's office, and more filings in local clerk and recorder's offices, candidates have set the initial stage for races in the 2012 election impacting north-central Montana ranging from county seats to federal lawmaking positions, with most of the activity on the state level from Republicans in the first day.

The filings included one filing to take over a seat from a Hill County incumbent who has decided to retire.

Democrat Kathy Bessette, serving her 22nd year this year as Hill County commissioner, said Thursday she will not run for re-...