Yesterday Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill announced that he had selected State Senator Jon Sonju as his running mate.  Before I get into my analysis of the pick and because not many people outside GOP and legislative circles know him, here’s what the Hill Campaign had to say about state Senator Jon Sonju (taken from their press release):

From working in his dad’s body shop growing-up to helping expand his family’s Kalispell based manufacturing business, Sonju Industrial, Jon understands the challenges business owners face. Elected to the Montana Legislature in 2004, he has served in both the State House and the State Senate. During his time in the legislature he has been a consistent advocate for economic opportunity, smaller government, and the protection of our personal freedoms. Jon was born and raised in the Flathead Valley where he still resides today. He and his wife Tania have two young children, Jacob (6) and Brett (3).

Sounds like an all-American selection!

It was interesting yesterday what happened leading up to this big announcement (in a couple of ways) and it was interesting what the Montana Democrats had to say about the selection.

First, the announcement was interesting in the way it was announced – a short post on facebook (around 8:20 a.m.) that informed the whole 549 people who “Like” the facebook page there was “An exciting announcement coming from the campaign today. Stay tuned!”  Then at 9:09 a.m. some photos were posted showing the candidates and with the Hill/Sonju campaign banner flying proudly in the photos.

The Twitter account @RickHill2012 was eerily silent (and has been since Jan. 10).  I received a press release from the Hill campaign at 4:23 p.m. “For Immediate Release” with the announcement and then I received another e-mail with the subject “Meet our running mate…” at 9:57 p.m.

Today, besides the links to press coverage of the announcement posted on the campaign website, the site is lacking information like an “About Jon” tab.  I know that’s a small thing – an attention to detail thing – so it seems to me the campaign was not prepared for the announcement.

It seems the use of Social Media and the quick dissemination of information won’t be a strong point for this team.

The second thing that was interesting to me was the location of the running mate – because he’s from an area that a GOP candidate will probably win anyway – so there appears to be a lack of strategy with the selection.

The other GOP candidates for Governor may have some concerns since Sonju is from a strong GOP area (Kalispell), but the Democrats are probably rejoicing thinking that if Hill wins the primary then Billings/Yellowstone County will be in play.  Depending on whom Democrats Steve Bullock or Larry Jent pick as a running mate, they may have a chance of carrying Montana’s largest county.

Also, a GOP friend (and donor to Hill) told me that the selection of Sonju kind of said, “Screw eastern Montana.” Hill is from Helena; Sonju is from Kalispell.

The Montana Democrats were not quite as kind.  They posted on their website and facebook page, “Hill + Sonju = Higher Taxes for Montana Families” saying “Republicans need to decide if they think their strongest candidates are a lobbyist-turned-Congressman-turned-lobbyist and a state legislator who has voted six times to raise his pay.”

They also hit Rick Hill with the one thing that will help dig a candidate’s political grave in Montana politics faster than anything:  Support of a sales tax.

Ouch.  I’m sure the Republican Party is waiting patiently for the Democratic frontrunner, Steve Bullock, to make his running mate selection so they can show some of the same love.

I can’t wait…

Follow Jack on Twitter @TheWesternWord.