Republican candidates only ones to file so far in Ravalli County

It’s an all-Republican race early on this election year in Ravalli County.

Of the 11 candidates who have filed so far for various elected seats, all 11 are Republican. Here’s a list of all the candidates so far and the positions they are vying for.

– Sen. Jim Shockley, R-Victor – attorney general

– Sen. Bob Lake, R-Hamilton – Public Service Commission, District 4

– Rep. Pat Connell, R-Hamilton – House District 87

– Rep. Ron Ehli, R-Hamilton – House District 88

– Rep. Gary MacLaren, R-Victor – Senate District 45

– Fred Thomas, former Senate Majority Leader – Senate District 45

– Josh Hennes, Stevensville businessman – House District 89

– Nancy Ballance, Hamilton school board trustee – House District 89

– Marie Keeton, current county treasurer – county treasurer

– Kevin Fadely – county commissioner

– Don Montgomery – county commissioner

I suspect there are many more candidates to come. After all, candidacy filing did just open on Jan. 12. It continues through March 12. The primary is slated for June 5. I’ll be curious to see who else throws their hat in the ring between now and then!