With the news and speculation that State Senator Jeff Essmann (R-Billings) will probably announce he is running for Governor tonight, the Montana Republican Party will have some work to do between now and January 12, 2012.

Before I get to the “work” part let me say that Essmann could be announcing he is becoming Rick Hill’s running mate, but most of my contacts (those on the right who still talk to me) believe he is running for Governor.  Hill does need someone from Montana’s largest city as his running mate.  If it’s not Essmann then he needs someone to help get votes from Billings in the primary and, if he gets that far, the general election.

Now to the work that will need to be done.  Continue reading →