John Brenden, a Scobey farmer and businessman, says he offers ``a strong voice'' for the northeastern Montana legislative district he wishes to represent. The present officeholder is Sen. Sam Kitzenberg, D-Glasgow. Kitzenberg is a former Republican who switched parties after the 2006 election, giving Democrats control of the state Senate. A former high school teacher, Kitzenberg is running for state superintendent of public instruction.
Brenden, 66, was the state Republican chairman from 1983-87.
From 1989-93, Brenden represented Montana on the Northwest Power Planning Council, which sets policies for the region's power system and weighs its effects on fish and wildlife.
Brenden was appointed to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission in 2003 by then-Gov. Judy Martz and completed his term last January. Occasionally speaking against what he considered excessive regulation, he questioned the extent to which the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks imposed ``shalt nots.''
Brenden's background also includes advising former U.S. Rep. Ron Marlenee and serving as finance director for Marlenee's 1976 campaign. Brenden was the co-chairman of Republican Stan Stephens' successful campaign for governor in 1988. It was Stephens who chose him for a $54,000-a-year slot on the Northwest Power Planning Council.
Montana's primary election is set for June 3 and the general election for Nov. 4. The period for filing candidacies is Jan. 20 through March 22.
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