Lindeen shuns US Senate run

HELENA — Another top potential Democratic candidate is rejecting a run for Montana's open U.S. Senate seat.

Insurance commissioner Monica Lindeen said in a release Tuesday that she doesn't want to leave Montana and will stay in her current job.

Democrats are scrambling to find a candidate after former Gov. Brian Schweitzer announced Saturday that he would run and had no interest in serving in the Senate.

Lindeen has twice won statewide elected office and was considered a top option for Democrats.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau has said she is considering a run. Lt. Gov. John Walsh has not ruled it out.

Six-term U.S. Sen. Max Baucus announced his retirement in April.

Many Republicans believe that U.S. Rep. Steve Daines will run the Senate seat.