Bedwell moves on in race for Hill County commissioner

James Bedwell was successful in his effort to get on the ballot as a Democratic candidate for Hill County Commissioner Tuesday.

Bedwell, who lives in Havre, announced May 26 that he would seek to get himself on the November ballot through a write-in campaign.

Bedwell missed the deadline to file with the Hill County Clerk and Recorder's office to get his name printed on the primary ballot.

However, if he was able to get 141 people to write in his name he could get on the November ballot. In the end he eked out a win by receiving 142 write-ins.

“That’s all I needed,” Bedwell said, acknowledging his vote total.

He said there were several ballots where his name was incorrectly spelled, therefore excluding those from the final county.

Bedwell is running to succeed outgoing Commissioner Jeff LaVoi who is retiring.

He will go up against Hill County Superintendent of Schools Diane McLean, the Republican candidate, and independent Ted Solomon, both of Havre, in the general election.