Shuffle continues for Montana congressional races

HELENA (AP) — Former state legislator Corey Stapleton says he will be running for the U.S. House instead of the Senate.

The Republican said Tuesday he will defer to Congressman Steve Daines, who many expect to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Max Baucus.

Stapleton said it is clear that Daines will run for the Senate seat.

A Daines spokesman said Tuesday that no decision has been made.

Baucus' retirement early this year set off a scramble to fill primaries for potentially two open congressional seats.

Stapleton could be joined by in the GOP House by many other current and former GOP lawmakers and officals. State Rep. Champ Edmunds has said he would switch his U.S. Senate run to the House.

Stapleton finished second in last year's crowded Republican gubernatorial primary.