Bullock stays mum on possible Senate appointment

HELENA (AP) — If Gov. Steve Bullock is any closer to deciding who to appoint to the U.S. Senate if Max Baucus is confirmed as the next ambassador to China, he isn't saying.

Bullock told reporters Thursday the possibility of Baucus vacating the seat is still hypothetical and he will not discuss his intentions until there is an opening.

President Barack Obama formally nominated Baucus for the ambassadorship Tuesday, and the Montana Democrat must be confirmed by the Senate.

Montana law gives the governor the power to appoint a replacement to serve out Baucus' term, which runs until January 2015.

Bullock has endorsed Lt. Gov. John Walsh in the 2014 election for the seat. Walsh has expressed interest in an interim appointment, but Bullock declined to answer any questions about a possible Walsh appointment