DOCSLIB.ORG

8:00 Am Rep. Chase Hibbard, Chairman

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
8:00 Am Rep. Chase Hibbard, Chairman MINUTES MONTANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 54th LEGISLATURE - REGULAR SESSION COMMITTEE ON TAXATION Call to Order: By CHAIRMAN CHASE HIBBARD, on March 9, 1995, at 8:00 a.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Rep. Chase Hibbard, Chairman (R) Rep. Marian W. Hanson, Vice Chairman (Majority) (R) Rep. Robert R. "Bob" Ream, Vice Chairman (Minority) (D) Rep. Peggy Arnott (R) Rep. John C. Bohlinger (R) Rep. Jim Elliott (D) Rep. Daniel C. Fuchs (R) Rep. Hal Harper (D) Rep. Rick Jore (R) Rep. Judy Murdock (R) Rep. Thomas E. Nelson (R) Rep. Scott J. Orr (R) Rep. Bob Raney (D) Rep. John "Sam" Rose (R) Rep. William M. "Bill" Ryan (D) Rep. Roger Somerville (R) Rep. Robert R. Story, Jr. (R) Rep. Emily Swanson (D) Rep. Jack Wells (R) Rep. Kenneth Wennemar (D) Members Excused: None. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Lee Heiman, Legislative Council Donna Grace, Committee Secretary Please Note: These are summary minutes. Testimony and discussion are paraphrased and condensed. Committee Business Summary: Hearing: HB 582 Executive Action: HB 506 - Tabled HB 265/497 - Discussion Only 950309TA.HM1 HOUSE TAXATION COMMITTEE March 9, 1995 Page 2 of 16 EXECUTIVE ACTION ON HB .506 Motion: REP. NELSON MOVED THAT HB 506 DO PASS. Discussion: REP. NELSON said HB 506 was a complicated issue and had been well-discussed during the hearing. REP. ELLIOTT said he was opposed to the motion because the arguments brought forward by the rental car companies cloud the real issue. They spoke about the competition with other states and he thought they could compete with other states. The talked about the price of their rental cars being higher because Montana's motor vehicle fees are higher but the price of the rental car could very well offset the pricE~ of an airline ticket in and out of Montana. They also said they could get a wider range of cars because they could pass the t:ax through to the consumer. REP. ELLIOTT said that if a customer wishes to rent a Lincoln Town Car, the customer can afford the added cost of the car. He said he had been approached by a lobbyist on the bill who indicated the main reason for supporting the bill was to be in compliance with the International Registration Program (IRP). REP. ELLIOTT said that if that was the main reason, it should have been brought up before the Committee. He said he thought this was a way to pass the cost of doing business on to the customer in a sneaky way and, on that basis, he would oppose the bill. REP. WELLS said he liked the aspect of putting companies in a more competitive position but he also suspE~cted there was profit motive buried in the rhetoric. He said he recognized that the profit would result in added tax money for the state but he didn't feel the arguments were totally valid and, therefore, he would not support the bill. REP. ORR said he had talked with Steve Galt of the Department of Transportation (DOT) who had advised him that the bill would not solve the problem they have. He said the problem is that the rental agencies have to license a certain amount of cars in Montana so they license the cheap cars in l~ontana and the expensive ones in other states. The DOT is working on a formula so more of the expensive cars will be licensed in Montana. REP. ORR said he would oppose the bill. REP. SOMERVILLE spoke in opposition to the bill because he did not like the idea of adding fees that the customers are not informed of at the time a reservation is ma.de. He said the practice was deceptive. 950309TA.HMl HOUSE TAXATION COMMITTEE March 9, 1995 Page 3 of 16 REP. RYAN spoke in favor of the bill. He said the cars are rented by tourists and would help the industry in Montana. It would also add some tax money for infrastructure. REP. REAM said he had prepared an amendment to the bill because he was concerned about the distribution of the revenue. The amendment would put 100% of the revenues into the county road fund. If the county road fund levies could be lowered, property tax could be reduced. EXHIBIT 1. Motion/Vote: REP. REAM MOVED THE AMENDMENT BE ADOPTED. Discussion: REP. REAM said the only way he could support the bill would be with the amendment. REP. NELSON agreed that the amendment would make the bill better. REP. RYAN spoke in favor of the amendment. REP. BOHLINGER said he was concerned about the distribution because the revenue would be insignificant He WOUld' support the amendrnen t . REP. ROSE said he would rather see the funds placed in the state secondary road fund instead of being returned to the county of registration. REP. ELLIOTT said only counties having rental car agencies would receive funds. He said he would vote against the amendment. Vote: On a roll call vote, the amendment failed, 12 - 6. Motion/Vote REP. STORY MOVED TO TABLE HB 506. The motion passed 11 - 7. EXECUTIVE ACTION ON HB 265/497 Motion: REP. BOHLINGER AND REP. SWANSON MOVED THAT HB 265/497 DO PASS. Discussion: REP. BOHLINGER said that he and Rep. Swanson had both sensed a need to address property tax concerns of low income and elderly people and had, independently, put together similar bills. He 950309TA.HM1 HOUSE TAXATION COMM:ITTEE March 9, 1995 Page 4 of 16 said that in an effort to simplify the effort, they had decided to bring the two bills together. REP. SWANSON said they would like to discuss the conceptual framework of the two bills and have Mr. Heiman prepare one bill for the Committee's consideration. REP. BOHLINGER said the section of HB 497 ,~hich would delay any tax increases to the second installment because it would cause problems for county officials would be omitted. He said he had asked Mary Whittinghill of the Department of Revenue (DOR) to redesign the assessment notice to make it lnore understandable and let the taxpayer know far enough in advanc.~ to plan for how to pay the increase. REP. SWANSON distributed a document which compared the two bills and discussed the differences. EXHIBIT 2. She said the bills give a broader range in each category so that more people can apply for slightly greater tax reductions. (Tape: 2; Side: 2.) REP. BOHLINGER said it is estimated that with the expansion of the program, 69,982 people would be eligible to apply. Presently 62,621 are eligible. The fiscal impact would be $1.3 million. REP. SWANSON said that through the assessment notice an effort will be made to educate people about the low income tax program. She said the bill would provide that a notice must appear on the assessment notice advising the taxpayer that they may be eligible for one of the programs and provides information on how to apply. Currently 23% of eligible taxpayers take advantage of the present program and she would like to see the percentage increased. A discussion ensued on how the schedules in the bill could be developed, taking into consideration income levels and whether the taxpayer is single, married or head-of-household. Several alternatives were suggested. REP. SWANSON said she appreciated all input from Committee Members. REP. REAM said he would like to see some data on the fiscal impact of the new bill. CHAIRMAN HIBBARD said a single bill combining HB 265 and HB 497 would be prepared and will be presented to the Committee for executive action early in the next week. The Chairman appointed Rep. Wells to work with Rep. Bohlinger and. Rep. Swanson. 950309TA.HM1 HOUSE TAXATION COMMITTEE March 9, 1995 Page 5 of 16 HEARING ON HB 582 Opening Statement by Sponsor: REP. BILL BOHARSKI, House District 79, Kalispell, said he was bringing HB 582 before the Committee for numerous reasons. The most important reason is that the Legislature, during this session, is facing a $25 million increase in spending in the public education system due to increased enrollment. Because of the passage of HB 667 in the last session, education has become a formula-driven expenditure. This bill has the potential, without cutting any services, of saving $8.5 million that could be used to reduce property taxes or for anyone of many other services. REP. BOHARSKI explained how the equalization formula works. There are approximately 8,500 parents in Montana who send their children to private schools. The bill provides that parents would receive a $1,000 tax credit against income tax, refundable if the tax liability is not that much, to help offset the cost of tuition to a private school or a public school other than the school in the district of residency. He reminded the Committee that a child sent to a public school outside the district must pay tuition and this is a very important point in insuring that the bill is constitutional. REP. BOHARSKI added that not only would the state save money, but the need for additional space in the public schools would be reduced, saving construction costs for local school districts. He explained that, under the equalization formula, $1,912 from the general fund is paid to local school districts for each student attending school in that district. If the parent receives $1,000, there would still be a net savings of $912. {Tape: 2; Side: A.} In addition to the fiscal reasons for the bill, REP. BOHARSKI said he had a philosophical belief that parents, poor as well as the rich, should have the opportunity to send their children to the academic institution of choice.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • June 2009 Mt Lawyer.Qxp
    June 2009 THE MONTANA Volume 34, No. 8 awyerTHE STATE BAR OF MONTANA TheL University of Montana School of Law Building for its 2nd century Meet the new UM Law dean Bar Annual Meeting tied to Law School building dedication New program On replacing Souter: gives lawyers a great way Look outside the federal courts for to assist candidates, State Bar president tells Obama veterans Officer & trustee elections: nomination forms inside THE MONTANA LAWYER JUNE INDEX Published every month except January and July by the State Bar of Montana, 7 W. Sixth Ave., Suite 2B, P.O. Box 577, Helena MT 59624. Phone (406) 442-7660; Fax (406) 442-7763. Cover Story E-mail: [email protected] UM School of Law builds a 2nd century STATE BAR OFFICERS New dean takes over July 1 5 President Chris Tweeten, Helena President-Elect New building to be completed in August 5 Cynthia K. Smith, Missoula Secretary-Treasurer Images of the new building floor plans 7 Joseph Sullivan, Great Falls Immediate Past President Bar’s Annual Meeting to honor Law School 7 John C. “Jock” Schulte, Missoula Chair of the Board Shane Vannatta, Missoula Board of Trustees Features Pam Bailey, Billings Darcy Crum, Great Falls New way for lawyers to assist veterans 8 Vicki W. Dunaway, Billings Peter L. Helland, Glasgow Legislative outcomes: new judges, court budget, Jason Holden, Great Falls Thomas Keegan, Helena and paralegal fees 9 Jane Mersen, Bozeman Mark D. Parker, Billings Legal Writing: the art of looking good 18 Ryan Rusche, Wolf Point Ann Shea, Butte Montana Attorneys: the Grateful Nation program 22 Randall Snyder, Bigfork Bruce Spencer, Helena Book Review: Business & Commercial Litigation 24 K.
    [Show full text]
  • Montana Senate Poll Results April 7-8, 2014
    Montana Senate Poll Results April 7-8, 2014 Q: How likely are you to vote in the election for United States Senate in November? Very likely 93% Somewhat likely 7% Q: In an election for U.S. Senate, would you generally prefer to vote for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate? Republican 38% Democrat 37% Someone Else 7% Not sure 18% Now, I am going to read you a list of names. Please indicate whether you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of each. John Walsh Favorable 33% Unfavorable 22% Not sure 45% Steve Daines Favorable 43% Unfavorable 31% Not sure 27% John Bohlinger Favorable 27% Unfavorable 23% Not sure 50% 121 State Street HarperPolling.com [email protected] Harrisburg, PA 17101 Q: In the election for U.S. Senate, who would you most likely vote for: Steve Daines, Republican or John Walsh, Democrat? Daines 42% Walsh 35% Not sure 23% Q: In the election for U.S. Senate, who would you most likely vote for: Steve Daines, Republican or John Bohlinger, Democrat? Daines 44% Bohlinger 33% Not sure 23% Q: As you may know, then-Lieutenant Governor John Walsh was running for the seat of retiring Senator Max Baucus. When Baucus was chosen as Ambassador to China, Governor Bullock immediately appointed Walsh to serve out the remaining few months of Baucus’ term without publicly considering any other people. Some have criticized the appointment saying it shows political favoritism by giving Walsh an unfair advantage over candidates from both parties. Do you agree or disagree with that sentiment? Agree 56% Disagree 36% Not
    [Show full text]
  • Montana Freemason
    Montana Freemason Feburary 2013 Volume 86 Number 1 Montana Freemason February 2013 Volume 86 Number 1 Th e Montana Freemason is an offi cial publication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Montana. Unless otherwise noted,articles in this publication express only the private opinion or assertion of the writer, and do not necessarily refl ect the offi cial position of the Grand Lodge. Th e jurisdiction speaks only through the Grand Master and the Executive Board when attested to as offi cial, in writing, by the Grand Secretary. Th e Editorial staff invites contributions in the form of informative articles, reports, news and other timely Subscription - the Montana Freemason Magazine information (of about 350 to 1000 words in length) is provided to all members of the Grand Lodge that broadly relate to general Masonry. Submissions A.F.&A.M. of Montana. Please direct all articles and must be typed or preferably provided in MSWord correspondence to : format, and all photographs or images sent as a .JPG fi le. Only original or digital photographs or graphics Reid Gardiner, Editor that support the submission are accepted. Th e Montana Freemason Magazine PO Box 1158 All material is copyrighted and is the property of Helena, MT 59624-1158 the Grand Lodge of Montana and the authors. [email protected] (406) 442-7774 Deadline for next submission of articles for the next edition is March 30, 2013. Articles submitted should be typed, double spaced and spell checked. Articles are subject to editing and Peer Review. No compensation is permitted for any article or photographs, or other materials submitted for publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Running Against the Political Winds
    Connecticut College Digital Commons @ Connecticut College Government and International Relations Honors Government and International Relations Papers Department April 2006 Running Against the Political Winds: How Gubernatorial Campaign Strategies Contribute to Mixed Partisan Outcomes in Simultaneous Gubernatorial and Presidential Elections Christopher J. Devine Connecticut College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/govhp Recommended Citation Devine, Christopher J., "Running Against the Political Winds: How Gubernatorial Campaign Strategies Contribute to Mixed Partisan Outcomes in Simultaneous Gubernatorial and Presidential Elections" (2006). Government and International Relations Honors Papers. 3. http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/govhp/3 This Honors Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the Government and International Relations Department at Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. It has been accepted for inclusion in Government and International Relations Honors Papers by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author. Running Against the Political Winds How Gubernatorial Campaign Strategies Contribute to Mixed Partisan Outcomes in Simultaneous Gubernatorial and Presidential Elections An Honors Thesis Presented By Christopher Devine To the Department of Government In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Honors
    [Show full text]
  • Governor Brian D. Schweitzer Lieutenant Governor John
    Governor Brian D. Schweitzer Send Governor Brian Schweitzer a comment @ http://governor.mt.gov/contact/commentform.asp Office of the Governor Montana State Capitol Bldg. P.O. Box 200801 Helena MT 59620-0801 (406) 444-3111, FAX (406) 444-5529 Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger Office of the Lt. Governor Montana State Capitol Bldg. PO Box 200801 Helena, MT 59620-1901 (406) 444-3111, FAX (406) 444-4648 Montana Board of Pardons and Parole 300 Maryland Ave Deer Lodge, MT 59722 Phone: (406)846-1404 Fax: (406) 846-3512 http://www.mt.gov/BOPP/feedback.asp Montana's Attorney General's Office Attorney General Mike McGrath Department of Justice P.O. Box 201401 Helena, MT 59620-1401 Phone: (406) 444-2026 Fax: (406) 444-3549 E-mail: [email protected] Click here: Map of the 2007 Montana Legislature -- NRIS Geographic Information Or Copy and paste: http://nris.mt.gov/gis/legislat/2007/ Click on a district to identify its 2007 legislators. Members of the 2007 Montana Senate District Name Party Address Town Zip 1 Aubyn Curtiss Republican P.O. Box 216 Fortine 59918-0216 2 Dan Weinberg Democrat 575 Delrey Road Whitefish 59937-8042 3 Jerry O'Neil Republican 985 Walsh Road Columbia Falls 59912 4 Gregory Barkus Republican P.O. Box 2647 Kalispell 59903-2647 5 Verdell Jackson Republican 555 WAGNER LN Kalispell 59901-8079 6 John Brueggeman Republican 321 Lakeview Drive Polson 59860-9317 7 Jim Elliott Democrat 100 Trout Creek Road Trout Creek 59874-9609 8 Carol Juneau Democrat PO BOX 55 Browning 59417-0055 9 John Cobb Republican P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Interview with John A. Mercer, April 2, 2010
    Archives and Special Collections Mansfield Library, University of Montana Missoula MT 59812-9936 Email: [email protected] Telephone: (406) 243-2053 This transcript represents the nearly verbatim record of an unrehearsed interview. Please bear in mind that you are reading the spoken word rather than the written word. Oral History Number: 396-065 Interviewee: John A. Mercer Interviewer: Bob Brown Date of Interview: April 2, 2010 Project: Bob Brown Oral History Collection Bob Brown: This is Bob Brown and I'm interviewing John Mercer, form er Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives, in his office in Poison Montana, on April 2, 2010. John, when and where were you born? John Mercer: I was born in Missoula, Montana, on Jan. 21,1957. BB: And did you live there during your early childhood? When did you move to Poison? JM: Well, pretty much came to Poison every summer because my folks had a place on the lake here. But I was in Missoula up through the sixth grade and then from then on in Poison. BB: Was there anything in those early years, or maybe your early years in Poison, that you think may have motivated you toward public service? JM: I don't really think so. I think that I was the sort of person at school who was interested in disrupting classes and having that kind of fun. I can remember running for all kinds of things: student body president, student body representative. And I'm not very proud of the fact that I never got elected to a single office.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Summary Report: Community Meeting, April 21, 2006; Billings
    BBiilllliinnggss April 21, 2006 1 OVERVIEW Several factors distinguished the Billings Community Meeting from others in the country. Throughout the meeting, one could sense the independence of Montanans and their willingness to thoughtfully weigh alternatives. John Bohlinger, the Republican Lieutenant Governor under Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer, welcomed the group. Meggin Stewart, a staffer for Republican Senator Conrad Burns, read a letter which stressed his support for expanding health savings accounts and enacting provisions for association health plans. On the other hand, Democratic Senator Max Baucus suggested that Citizens’ Health Care Working Group the individual mandate recently enacted in Community Meetings Massachusetts may be a prompt for future action. Kansas City, Missouri Orlando, Florida Montana’s small population and great distances Baton Rouge, Louisiana between population centers led to an emphasis Memphis, Tennessee on rural health delivery issues. Native Americans Charlotte, North Carolina in the audience reminded attendees of the Jackson, Mississippi Federal government’s treaty obligations. Seattle, Washington Throughout the meeting there was an emphasis Denver, Colorado on the responsibility of the individual and family, Los Angeles, California tempered by a sense of community. There were Providence, Rhode Island also thoughtful observations and practical Miami, Florida suggestions for change. One thing that Indianapolis, Indiana distinguished this meeting was the way it Detroit, Michigan illustrated how participatory democracy can exist Albuquerque, New Mexico Billings, Montana in a state with a small population and officials Phoenix, Arizona who emphasize public engagement. Daytona Beach, Florida Upper Valley, New Hampshire In his closing remarks to the group Senator Hartford, Connecticut Baucus observed, “Maybe it’s not the Titanic, but Des Moines, Iowa we’re on a big boat and it doesn’t turn on a dime.
    [Show full text]
  • Schweitzer Would Rout Baucus in '14 Senate Primary
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2011 INTERVIEWS: Tom Jensen 919-744-6312 IF YOU HAVE BASIC METHODOLOGICAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL [email protected], OR CONSULT THE FINAL PARAGRAPH OF THE PRESS RELEASE Schweitzer would rout Baucus in ’14 Senate primary Raleigh, N.C. – Max Baucus could be in trouble in 2014 if the out-of-work progressive icon Brian Schweitzer decides to challenge him in the primary. Montana Democrats have a significantly better opinion of their term-limited governor than their six-term senator. 81% approve and only 14% disapprove of Schweitzer’s performance, versus a 70-23 spread for Baucus. Schweitzer would take an outright majority (51%) of primary voters’ support, with Baucus managing only about a third (34%). Schweitzer draws his strength from the two largest ideological groups in the party, winning by 28 points with the third who say they are moderate and by 12 points with the 38% plurality who claim to be somewhat liberal. Only among the 2% who say they are very conservative does Baucus lead, and only by seven points. The Republican primaries for House and governor come down mostly to name recognition at this point, as other than Rick Hill, of whom 42% have an opinion, 76-89% of these engaged partisans have no clue about the candidates. Steve Daines is favored 22-14 over John Abarr to replace Denny Rehberg on the congressional ticket. Hill unsurprisingly leads for the gubernatorial slot, with 35% to Neil Livingstone’s 15%, Jeff Essmann’s 11%, Ken Miller’s 6%, and three others with 1-2%.
    [Show full text]
  • Juneau Latest Montana Dem to Reject US Senate
    AUGUST 05, 2013 3:49 PM • ASSOCIATED PRESS Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau said Monday that she will not run for the U.S. Senate, joining other top Democrats who have declined a bid at the office being vacated by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus. Juneau's announcement follows decisions by former Gov. Brian Schweitzer, state Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen and political veteran Stephanie Schriock, who all declined a run. "It has been very humbling to be considered for such a leadership role representing our great state, however, my decision not to run for Congress is the right one for me at this time," Juneau said in a statement. "I love serving as the superintendent of public instruction for the state of Montana and am proud of the progress I have made over the last four years." Baucus' retirement announcement created the first battle for an open Senate seat in the state since the 1970s, but at this point there are no announced front- runners. And Democrats appear to be running low on recognizable options. Lt. Gov. John Walsh, a former Montana National Guard commander who took office this year with Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, has not ruled out a run for the office. But he also said he only started considering the possibility after Schweitzer bowed out early last month. Some Democrats hope that Supreme Court Justice Mike Wheat will run for the office. And former Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger has said he could run as a Democrat or Independent. Bohlinger brought longtime Republican credentials to Schweitzer's ticket, a move that left him on the outs with other Republicans.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Mary Diversion and Conveyance Works and Milk River Project Hearing
    S. HRG. 109–764 ST. MARY DIVERSION AND CONVEYANCE WORKS AND MILK RIVER PROJECT HEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES UNITED STATES SENATE ONE HUNDRED NINTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION ON S. 3563 TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO CONDUCT STUD- IES TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF REHABILITATING THE ST. MARY DIVERSION AND CONVEYANCE WORKS AND THE MILK RIVER PROJECT, TO AUTHORIZE THE REHA- BILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE ST. MARY DIVERSION AND CONVEYANCE WORKS, TO DEVELOP AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR USE IN THE CASE OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ST. MARY DIVERSION AND CONVEYANCE WORKS, AND FOR OTHER PUR- POSES HAVRE, MT, SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 ( Printed for the use of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 32–480 PDF WASHINGTON : 2007 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2250 Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402–0001 VerDate 0ct 09 2002 15:44 Jan 22, 2007 Jkt 109764 PO 32480 Frm 00001 Fmt 5011 Sfmt 5011 R:\DOCS\32480.TXT SENERGY1 PsN: RSMIT COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico, Chairman LARRY E. CRAIG, Idaho JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico CRAIG THOMAS, Wyoming DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska RON WYDEN, Oregon RICHARD BURR, North Carolina TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota MEL MARTINEZ, Florida MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana JAMES M. TALENT, Missouri DIANNE FEINSTEIN, California CONRAD BURNS, Montana MARIA CANTWELL, Washington GEORGE ALLEN, Virginia KEN SALAZAR, Colorado GORDON SMITH, Oregon ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey JIM BUNNING, Kentucky FRANK J.
    [Show full text]
  • Republican Rep. Daines Enters US Senate Race
    Republican Rep. Daines enters US Senate race NOVEMBER 06, 2013 1:01 PM • BY MIKE DENNISON IR STATE BUREAU BOZEMAN — U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, ending months of speculation about when and if he would jump into Montana’s potentially pivotal U.S. Senate race, officially launched his campaign Wednesday, saying it’s time for Republicans to take control of the Senate. Speaking to a room packed with some 200 supporters at the Bozeman Holiday Inn, Daines made it clear he’ll frame the race as one that could determine whether Republicans become the majority in the Senate in 2014. “The American people fired Nancy Pelosi as (Democratic) speaker of the House in 2010; it’s time we did the same thing to (Democratic Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid in 2014,” he said. “This (current) Senate speaks for President Obama, and not for the people of Montana.” Daines, 51, a former executive for a Bozeman software development firm, became Montana’s only U.S. House representative less than 11 months ago. Now, he’s gunning to become the state’s next U.S. senator, succeeding retiring Democrat Max Baucus, who is not running for re-election. Daines is the fifth person to declare himself a candidate in the race, one of several nationwide where Republicans feel they have a good chance to win a Democratic seat and narrow or erase the 55-45 majority Democrats currently hold. His announcement came on the same day that former Montana Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, running as a Democrat, launched his campaign at a news conference 100 miles away in Helena.
    [Show full text]