About 308 days ago Steve Daines was sworn in as Montana’s at-large U.S. House member. It is his first term, and he probably hasn’t found all the restrooms and places to hide from his staff in the U.S. Capitol – let alone build up any seniority to help his state.

According to several reports linked to GOP officials, Daines will announce he is running for Montana’s open U.S. Senate seat today in Bozeman. It’s been one of the worst-kept secrets in the history of Montana politics. Reporters can have their story written and fill in a few blanks – and then take the rest of the day enjoying the sights and sounds of beautiful Bozeman.

A poll conducted here at The Western Word asked “Will Republican U.S. Representative Steve Daines run for U.S. House, U.S. Senate, retire from politics, or run for some other office in 2014?”

71% of those participating said he would run for U.S. Senate and 29% said he would run for re-election in the U.S. House.

Although the Democrats’ top dog, Brian Schweitzer, decided against running (which if he had, it might have kept Daines out), Daines has several problems to overcome before moving on up to the senate.  Continue reading →