Veteran state lawmaker to run for U.S. House

HELENA — Veteran state legislator Kim Gillan of Billings says she will be running for Montana's open U.S. House seat in the 2012 elections.

Gillan joins two other Democrats who are seeking the state's lone congressional seat, left open now that incumbent Republican Denny Rehberg has decided to challenge U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

Gillan, known for her tenacity in state legislative debates, says she wants to be a vocal and independent advocate for Montana families in Congress.

Businessman Steve Daines of Bozeman is the lone Republican and so far and has been raising money very effectively since late last year.

The other Democrats seeking the office are state Rep. Franke Wilmer of Bozeman and Missoula City Council member Dave Strohmaier.