Montana Speaker of the House Mark Blasdel, R-Somers, on Tuesday formally announced his bid for Senate District 4, which virtually encompasses Kalispell’s entire downtown area and stretches northeast.
Blasdel throws his hat into the race two days before official candidate filing opens Jan. 9, but he had already expressed interest in a seat being vacated by outgoing Republican Sen. Jon Sonju, who announced in July that he would not seek re-election after a single term and endorsed Blasdel, a longtime friend.
Former Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher, also a Republican, declared her candidacy months ago, and pundits have said the strong name recognition and experience of both candidates has the makings for a close race in this June’s primary election showdown.
“I have had the privilege to represent the fine citizens in Kalispell, Somers and Lakeside over my tenure in the Montana House,” Blasdel, a small business owner, said in a statement. “Kalispell needs someone who can take the voice of small business owners and employees to the state legislature. I’ve been doing this for eight years and would be honored to continue fighting for job growth, tax reform, and the protection of the rights of Montana’s citizens.”
Sonju previously served three terms in the state House and expressed an early interest in the U.S. House Seat following freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Daines’ decision to run for longtime U.S. Sen. Max Baucus’ seat. The Democratic Baucus stunned the political world when he announced he would not seek re-election, and Daines became an immediate favorite among Republicans. Sonju abruptly withdrew his name from contention in October, saying he wanted to focus on family and business.
Blasdel, a graduate of Flathead High School, was elected to House District 10 in 2006 to represent the Somers area and has served in the 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 legislative sessions.
Blasdel said he would oppose the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in Montana as well as the ratification of the current Confederated Salish and Kootenail Tribes Water Compact.
“Both are bad for Flathead families and business,” he said.