A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Rep. Frank Garner (R-Kalispell) will seek a second term representing House District 7 (map), which is old downtown Kalispell and adjacent neighborhoods. His C-1 statement of candidate form, dated 9 December, is now available on the website of Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices.
Democrat Lynn Stanley also filed a C-1 for HD-7.
Garner won a functionally uncontested election in 2014 after soundly defeating Ronalee Skees in the Republican primary. A former, and well liked, police chief for Kalispell, he how heads security for the Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
In his first legislative term, Garner generally allied himself with the self-described Responsible Republicans caucus that helped Democrats pass Sen. Ed Buttrey’s (R-Great Falls) SB-405, the bastardized expansion of Medicaid of which some people are far too proud, but was loyal to the Republican caucus on process votes.
Garner may receive another primary challenge from the far right, but it has little chance of succeeding. He’s well liked and respected, and has a knack for politics.
HD-7 (HD-8 from 2004–2012) used to be a swing district in presidential elections, but no Democrat has won the seat since Cheryl Steenson won a close election in 2008. She resigned months after the 2009 legislative session to take a teaching job in South America, and now lives in the Puget Sound area. Republican Steve Lavin, now representing adjacent HD-8 (map), won in 2010 and 2012.
