In taking a look at all the races this year, there are a few that have not and will not garner that much attention. One, the State Auditor, is ranked very low on the political radar screen. But, the job of State Auditor is very important and the day to day duties, coupled with a seat on the state land board, makes this an important race.

This race is between Democrat Monica Lindeen and Republican Duane Grimes. Both are former legislators. They both can be applauded for their desire to serve the public.

For the past several years, the Democrats have basically owned the State Auditor’s office, and although some significant changes were made in the last eight years, there were some very negative issues that came to light that harmed my overall impression of the office. The new State Auditor will have to work hard to rebuild the people’s trust.

I have briefly met both candidates over the years, and I think they both deeply care about the state of Montana. In fact, I don’t dislike either of the candidates. I subscribe to their e-mails, visited their websites, and read about them in the newspapers (when they received coverage).

On Duane Grimes’ website, he touts honesty, fairness, and integrity. From almost everyone I’ve spoken with, those words describe him perfectly.

Grimes has a health care plan that I like. His plan will bring more competition, more choices, as well as lower rates. Consumers will have a better choice and that’s very important. I think he will protect senior citizens and consumers more than his opponent.

He also will bring some new proposals to the state land board that have a lot of merit. He wants to use these state lands to generate more revenue for Montana schools. I like that idea.

The first attack during this campaign apparently came from Lindeen. There was no need for that in a state auditor race. I don’t believe that Grimes would ever place any insurance company or any other outside influence above the people he represents. He’s not that type of person, and there’s no proof that he has ever done anything like that in the past.

With that being said, Grimes gets my vote for State Auditor. After years and years of being run by the Democrats, it is time for a little house cleaning in that office. Grimes will bring a fresh approach, new leadership and integrity to the State Auditor’s office.

Visit the Grimes for State Auditor website and check out his views for yourself. I’m sure he would not mind if you took the time to make a donation, too.