It looks like the stage is set for the 2010 primary season in Montana.  March 15 was the last day to file for office.  You can see all the filings HERE.

It looks like the Republicans went for quantity over quality this season.  According to the Secretary of State’s (SOS) press release, Republicans filed for 175 seats and the Democrats 129.  This excludes withdrawals.

Good news:

Two candidates were able to jump through all the hoops and make the ballot as Independent candidates.  Shawn Guymon is running in HD-03 and Bill Jones in HD-08.  By the way, the Constitution Party has six candidates, the Libertarian Party has seven and the Green Party has one candidate, according to the SOS.

The State of Montana needs to loosen the ropes some on elections so more Independent-minded candidates can run for office and help stop the partisanship that looks more like a children’s circus every two years in Helena, than a legislative body.  Don’t hold your breath on getting more Independent candidates because either the courts will have to overturn the law or the Republicans and Democrats will have to change it.  Fat chance.

Now, for some of the ridiculous stuff: Continue reading →