Walsh, Bohlinger, Adams to headline Democratic fundraiser

Some top-level state Democrats are joining Hill County party members and local candidates in their annual fundraiser, set for Friday during Festival Days.

Lt. Gov. John Walsh, two-term former Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger and Park County rancher Dirk Adams, who has declared his intent to file as a Democratic candidate in next year’s 2014 U.S. Senate election, are expected to attend the annual Pasma-Peck Dinner, set to start at the Havre Eagles Club with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m. and a prime rib dinner at 6 p.m.

Local candidates and elected officials also plan to speak, including Havre Mayor Tim Solomon, who is facing Republican former Mayor Bob Rice in the general election, and state Sen. Greg Jergeson, D-Chinook.

Walsh and Bohlinger also are potential candidates in the Senate race, left wide open after 35-year Montana Sen. Max Baucus made the announcement in March that he would not run for re-election.

Adams is the only Democrat who has said he plans to file as a candidate next year, although Walsh and Bohlinger both said they are considering the idea.

Walsh said Wednesday that he has not made a decision on the Senate race, and that his presentation at the dinner will focus on actions Gov. Steve Bullock has taken in north-central Montana, including pushing for funding the new automotive and diesel technologies building at Montana State University-Northern, freezing tuition at the state colleges, and “fixing the broken pension system.”

Walsh, a 33-year military veteran who retired as adjutant general of the Montana Army National Guard to join Bullock in his 2008 campaign, said he does not plan to talk about the upcoming Senate race.

“I haven’t ruled (running in the election) out yet,” he added. “I am still giving it strong consideration.”

Bohlinger, who was a Republican state legislator but joined Democrat Brian Schweitzer in his two successful bids for governor on a bipartisan ticket, has confirmed that he is considering a run, but could not be reached for comment about the Pasma-Peck Dinner by printing deadline this morning. He said in August that the Republican Party had moved too far to the extreme right for him to remain with the GOP.

Adams said in an interview Wednesday that he is looking forward to meeting the Hill County Democrats, and also the Festival Days Parade Saturday morning.

“How can you miss a parade?” he asked.

Adams, who started his ranch near Wilsall in 1984, has a background in law, teaching and banking.

He said he has experience dealing with government relations but has never before run for office.

“I decided to run because I thought I had the experience, and I don’t think politicians are the only people who can run for office,” he said.

He said some of his goals are to try to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of government, including trying to increase accountability and tracking bills once they are passed to see how effective their actions are.

The fundraiser, which includes auctions and door prizes, costs $25.