Local Candidates Discuss Strengths

Republican candidates campaigning to represent area districts were among the speakers at Richland County’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on Thursday.

Greg Hunter and Rhonda Knudsen are seeking the Senate District 15 position. The district features most of northeastern Montana including from Sidney to Glasgow.

Hunter, a rancher in the Glasgow area, said this is his first jump into seeking an elected government position. His concerns include rural health care, a strong education system and strong law enforcement.

His experience includes 25 years in the agriculture industry and 15 years in telecommunications. He has served as an EMT for 36 years and his wife is a nurse.

Hunter notes that he is for property tax reform, limited government and is pro Second Amendment.

Knudsen has been the representative for House District 34 for the last six years. The Culbertson resident was elected to the leadership position of Speaker Pro Tempore last session.

Knudsen mentioned that in her role she read each of the 1,000 bills and made sure they were sent to the proper committee. She stressed that she understands the process.

She said she decided to move over to the Senate because the legislature needs her experience. She described herself as committed and a conservative.

Kathy Hoiland and Brandon Ler are seeking the House District 33 position. The district includes all of Dawson County and some of Richland County including Savage.

Hoiland said she is running because she loves and believes in the state. She feels residents deserve real representation from someone who cares the most about Montana. She questioned why legislators banned books and TikTok.

Hoiland stressed that freedoms must be preserved. She said legislators shouldn’t make the precedent of removing laws which they did during the last session. She added that she has a proven record as a community leader both in Richland County and Dawson County.

“Real legislators work together to put Montana first,” Hoiland said.

Ler has served as the representative for House District 35, but now he is seeking the House 33 spot because of redistricting. He said he votes for parents to have more control over their children and he votes against more regulations in the state.

Ler said he works hard to protect Second Amendment rights and to build natural resources. He is concerned about judges legislating from the bench.

Ler wants to continue working to support more localized government.

Other state Senate/House candidates included Mike Newton For Senate District 17 and Morgan Thiel for House District 30.

The primary election is June 4.

 

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