Montana Senate Race Gets Interesting With Lt. Gov. John Walsh Running

With Lt. Gov. John Walsh announcing in a new Web video that he will run for the open Montana Senate race in 2014, this race could get competitive. handing Democrats their first big-name recruit in the race for the open seat. Former governor Brian Schweitzer (D) surprised many by opting not to run for the seat.

Walsh’s video plays up his service in Iraq and his status as a political newcomer. He served as adjutant general of the state’s National Guard before being selected as now-Gov. Steve Bullock’s (D) running mate in the 2012 election.

Freshman Rep. Steve Daines (R) is still considering the race and is expected to run. For now, the GOP field is led by state Rep. Champ Edmunds.

The seat is considered a top pickup opportunity for the GOP following Sen. Max Baucus’s (D-Mont.) retirement. Many well-known possible Republican hopefuls, such as Rep. Steve Daines (R), ex-Gov. Marc Racicot (R) and ex-Rep. Denny Rehberg (R), who lost to Sen. Jon Tester (D) in 2012, were anxiously awaiting Brian Schweitzer’s decision. It will now be a bit more interesting to see  how the field plays out, but Schweitzer’s decision made a Republican-controlled Senate a real possibility now.

People’s Pundit Daily will continue to hold our call on this race, despite Walsh being a type of candidate that I could foresee spoiling the GOP’s hopes for a Republican-controlled Senate. For now, the race is still “Leans Republican.” View our Interactive 2014 Senate Map with ratings and full analysis.