The legislative seat abruptly vacated by Rep. Jonathan McNiven has attracted interest from 14 would be replacements Republicans said Monday.
Yellowstone County Republican Chairman Josiah Loven told The Gazette the party has reserved the Lockwood School gym to introduce possible replacements to residents of House District 56 which includes Huntley Lockwood Briarwood and Blue Creek.
The party is still accepting applicants Loven said.
Anyone interested in representing House District 56 is welcome to come and speak at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the Lockwood School gym Loven said.
Interested parties should send their name and contact information to vacancy.ycrcc gmail.com Loven said.
A twice elected Republican legislator McNiven resigned two weeks after being re elected by a landslide. He purchased the Yellowstone County News in October and realized shortly after the election that he wouldn't be able to publish a newspaper and serve in the 2015 Legislature which begins Jan 5.
The Yellowstone County Central Committee will have the chance to submit three possible McNiven replacements to the Yellowstone County Commissioners. The commissioners will have the option of selecting a replacement from the three nominees or rejecting them and asking for three more.
The Yellowstone County Commissioners are expected to review nominees on Dec. 9.
The list of candidates interested in the job includes Krayton Kearns a former Republican legislator from Laurel as well as Billings Rep. Dennis Lenz who was upset in the 2014 General Election. Dennis Himmelberger a former Republican lawmaker from Billings Heights also is interested.
Others interested include Tom Richmond former director of the Board of Oil and Gas who lost a challenge to Democrat Virginia Court.
Tony O'Donnell who is in a recount race against incumbent Democrat Margie MacDonald in House District 51 is also interested.
Josh Sizemore who lost last month to Democrat Mary McNally is a candidate also.
Eric Olsen founder of the local Tea Party group Montana Shrugged has expressed interest as has Barry Usher who lost in the primary to Duane Ankney for Senate District 20.
Other names include Mick McCarthy Mark Morse Barron Parks Robert Stevens Becky Robinson and Bob Pearson.
These are not people we've vetted or necessarily even met but this is a full list of everyone who has applied Loven said. This list doesn't imply endorsement of anyone. Anyone is welcome to apply and speak with the board on Monday (Dec. 8).
Legislators are not required to live in the district they represent.
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