Local Dems react to McLean resignation

Like much of the rest of Montana, Hill County Democrats were blindsided Monday by the news that Lt. Gov. Angela McLean will resign.

Gov. Steve Bullock's office said McLean will resign to accept the position of director of American Indian and Minority Achievement and K-12 partnerships in the office of the state's Commissioner of Higher Education.

McLean will continue as lieutenant governor until her successor is chosen.

McLean will leave office just 22 months after being

appointed by Bullock to replace John Walsh. Walsh resigned as lieutenant governor in 2014 after being selected by Bullock to finish out the term of Sen. Max Baucus when Baucus was confirmed as U.S Ambassador to China.

When the Havre Daily News called Hill County Democratic Party Chair Brenda Skornogoski for comment, she said it was the first she heard about McLean's departure.

"I am stunned," said Skornogoski. "I had no idea."

Skornogoski said that during McLean's 22 months as the state's 31st lieutenant governor and second woman to hold the office, she

regularly traveled beyond Helena, to communities throughout the state.

"She has done an excellent job of coming to the local level," said Skornogoski.

Skornogoski estimates McLean visited Havre two or three times as lieutenant governor.

McLean has a background steeped in education policy.

McLean taught American History and Civics at Anaconda High School until she was appointed lieutenant governor.

She also sat on the state's Board of Public Education from 2006 until 2010, before becoming a member of the state's Board of Regents. She was elected chair of the board in 2012.

In her new position, McLean's duties will include leading the state university system's American Indian and Minority Advancement Council, working to bolster the number of American Indian and minority students who earn certifications from state universities, fostering connections with Indian Country and addressing college issues such as retention and readiness.

Paul Tuss, who succeeded McLean as chair of the Board of Regents, said McLean is an ideal match for the job.

Tuss said that as lieutenant governor, McLean visited schools and talked with tribal leaders and teachers in Indian Country. He said his former colleague has been "a great ambassador for the state of Montana" to the state's seven Indian reservations.

Beyond education, Tuss said McLean has made expanding economic opportunity for natives a high priority during her time in office.

"I've seen her and heard her make public statements for Indian issues in Indian Country," said Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, who has worked with McLean, including during her time on the Board of Public Education.

Windy Boy said while he wished she hadn't resigned, he said she will have more of a chance to further her agenda as it relates to Indian education in her new role.

McLean's entry into the world of electoral politics was an unusual one. Seemingly overnight she went from member of the Board of Regents and high school teacher to lieutenant governor.

"It's hard to step in halfway through like she did," said former State Rep. Jon Musgrove, D-Havre. "She stepped in a very difficult situation and served well in that capacity."

In resigning, McLean will not only be leaving her post as lieutenant governor, but also will forgo the chance to run alongside Bullock next year for a full term.

Musgrove said the effect of McLean's absence on the ticket is unclear and will depend on who the governor taps to be his now third lieutenant governor in less than four years. In the end, though, Musgrove said he doubts it will have much of an impact.

As to who Bullock will choose, Tuss, who is also a close friend of the governor, said he could not make a prediction.

However, Tuss said there will be at least two things taken into consideration when the Governor is looking at candidates to be Montana's 32nd lieutenant governor.

"First and foremost, it has to be someone capable of stepping in as Montana's Chief Executive," said Tuss.

Second, someone who shares his vision for the state and his policy agenda.

As for McLean's future, whether it be continued service in the field of education or eventually returning to the political arena, Tuss said don't count her out.

"It doesn't matter," Tuss said. "She's going to make an impact wherever she lands."