Lt. Gov. John Walsh (D. MT) running for Sen. Max Baucus' (D. MT) seat.
Interesting development in the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Senator Max Baucus (D. MT):
http://www.nbcmontana.com/...
Former Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger says he may end his campaign for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate if current Lt. Gov. John Walsh is appointed to serve the rest of Max Baucus' term.
If Baucus resigns from the Senate to become the next U.S. ambassador to China, it will be up to Gov. Steve Bullock to pick an interim replacement until January 2015.
Walsh has asked Bullock to appoint him, but the Democratic governor has kept quiet on a possible selection. - AP, 1/21/14
Why would Bohlinger decide to do this?
http://www.kulr8.com/...
Bohlinger says the interim appointment would give Walsh the power, name recognition and fundraising ability of an incumbent, making it almost impossible to defeat him in the election. - KULR 8 News, 1/21/14
Sounds like Bohlinger is tempting Bullock to appoint Walsh but Bohlinger also sounds like he's calling Bullock's bluff:
http://www.krtv.com/...
But Bohlinger, the former Republican lieutenant governor under Democrat Brian Schweitzer, said it's unlikely Bullock will appoint Walsh.
"There's a history of unsuccessful efforts of those who have been chosen to fill out a term," he said "They historically do not do well. We'll wait and see."
While Bullock has endorsed Walsh in the race, he has stopped short of saying he would appoint him to Baucus' seat.
Bohlinger, Walsh, and Wilsall rancher Dirk Adams are in the running for the Democratic nomination for the seat.
U.S. Rep. Steve Daines has a huge fundraising lead over state Rep. Champ Edmunds of Missoula on the Republican side. - KRTV, 1/21/14
We'll have to see how this plays out. Not sure if Bohlinger is playing chess or playing with fire on this one. We shall have to wait and see.