Tempel, Tuss, Knudsen win legislative races

It was mixed results for incumbent legislators in local races in Tuesday’s election, with Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, and Rep. Casey Knudsen, R-Malta, holding onto their seats but Democrat Paul Tuss, D-Havre, defeating incumbent Rep. Ed Hill, R-Havre, in that race.

Tuss took 1,785 votes to Hill’s 1,477.

Tuss reacted with relief and positive anticipation of what was to come.

“I’m feeling great. This was a long campaign,” he said. “... But the campaign phase ends today, and the governing phase begins.”

Tuss said he looks forward to serving in the Legislature and vowed to represent the interests of everyone in his district, including those that did not vote for him, making sure they have a seat at the table in Helena.

When asked how he felt about the results, Hill said, “I feel that the people have spoken.”

He said based on what he saw that night, it looks like Republicans were hurt by a lack of turnout, not just locally, but across the U.S.

Tempel defeated Democratic challenger Dave Brewer of Havre with 5,599 votes to Brewer’s 2,223, 72 percent to 28 percent.

Tempel said he was surprised to see such dramatic numbers in his favor, and while the night had a few surprises in other races that he couldn’t comment on, he’s pleased that his went well.

“What can I say,” he said. “… I’m just happy to be able to keep serving my constituents.”

Brewer was not in Havre Tuesday night, as it was his and his wife’s 50th wedding anniversary, one they chose to celebrate rather than watch the election.

This morning he said he wishes he’d won, but that’s not how things played out.

“I’m disappointed obviously, I think I would have been the better candidate, but he and I were both gentlemen about how we held ourselves and that’s what’s important,” he said.

Brewer said he hopes Tempel will be more willing to break with his party in the coming session, but regardless of what happens he congratulates him for his victory.

In the race for House District 33, Knudsen took 77 percent of the votes, 2,906, to Democrat Jordan Ophus of North Havre’s 23 percent, 874 votes.

A former Havre legislator also lost a race for the state Senate in Great Falls. Former Rep. Jacob Bachmeier, D-Havre, lost the race in Senate District 12 to Republican Sen. Wendy McKamey, with 2,621 votes to McKamey’s 3,339.