Bullock names former lawmaker as lieutenant governor

BILLINGS (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Wednesday named a former state lawmaker from Helena as his third lieutenant governor in three years as Democrats sought to shore up the party's gubernatorial ticket ahead of the 2016 elections.

Bullock announced the appointment of Mike Cooney to replace Angela McLean, who resigned last month amid tensions with the governor and his staff as revealed in their emails.

Bullock said Cooney was a proven leader with a four-decade political track record.

"I'm impressed by Mike's hard work and his commitment to public service," Bullock said in a statement from his office.

Cooney served as a state representative from Butte in the 1970s; three terms as secretary of state; and most recently as a state senator from Helena between 2003 and 2010 that included a short stint as senate president in 2007.

Conney said it was an honor to be named as Bullock's second-in-command. His appointment is effective Jan. 4.

"I look forward to working with Governor Bullock to make responsible decisions about the future of our state," he said in a statement.