Republican backs Jergeson in closely watched Senate race

Longtime Montana Republican elected official Bob Brown has endorsed Sen. Greg Jergeson, D-Havre, in the race for Montana Senate District 14.

Jergeson faces two-term Rep. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, in the Nov. 4 race.

Brown is a former legislator including Senate president, former secretary of state and Republican gubernatorial candidate.

“I have known and been in public service with State Sen. Greg Jergeson for many years,” Brown said in a press release issued by Jergeson. “Though we are from different political parties, I personally know that he is a thoroughly good man, and a great state legislator. He is nobody’s man but his own, and special interests don’t even try to pressure him. He works easily and effectively with both Democrats and Republicans and is without question one of the most trusted and respected members of the entire legislature.”

Brown could not be reached for comment by the Havre Daily News this morning.

Hansen said this morning that she had not heard that Brown endorsed Jergeson.

“But for comparison's sake, I have been endorsed this election by the Montana Agriculture PAC, the NRA, the Montana Shooting Sports Association, the Montana Family Foundation, the Montana Chamber of Commerce as a Champion of Small Business, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses as a Guardian of Small Business,” she said.

Brown served as a state senator, senate majority leader and secretary of state before running for governor in 2004. He lost to Democrat Brian Schweitzer 50-46 percent.

In the press release, Jergeson thanked Brown for the endorsement.

“While we are from different political parties, and participated in spirited debate about important public policy issues, we share a very common-sense, middle-of-the-road approach to governing and to serving in the Montana Legislature,” Jergeson said in his release. “Bob Brown and I both understand that it shouldn’t matter if a good idea comes from a Democrat or a Republican. If it makes sense for our state and the people of Montana, let’s work together to get things done. It’s the Montana way.”