United States Senate election in Montana, 2014

United States Senate election in Montana, 2014

November 4, 2014

Nominee Steve Daines Amanda Curtis Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 210,863 145,601 Percentage 57.9% 40.0%

County results

U.S. Senator before election John Walsh Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Steve Daines Republican

The 2014 United States Senate election in Montana took place on November 4, 2014, to elect a member of the United States Senate from Montana, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

Democratic Senator Max Baucus, who had announced he would retire and not seek a seventh term in office, resigned from the Senate in February 2014 in order to accept an appointment as United States Ambassador to China. Democrat John Walsh, the Lieutenant Governor of Montana, who was already running for Baucus' seat when Baucus was named to the ambassadorship, was appointed to replace Baucus by Governor Steve Bullock.^[1]

Walsh, who had won the Democratic primary, withdrew from the race on August 7, 2014 in the aftermath of allegations that he had plagiarized a term paper while attending the Army War College.^[2] Democrats selected Amanda Curtis, a State Representative from Butte, to replace Walsh as the party's nominee at a convention in Helena on August 16.^[3]

Daines defeated Curtis by a 57.9 percent to 40.0 percent margin with Libertarian Roger Roots winning 2.2 percent. Daines and Arkansas’ Tom Cotton became just the 18th and 19th U.S. House freshmen to win U.S. Senate races over the last 100 years, and just the third and fourth over the last 40 years.^[4]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Dirk Adams, rancher, businessman and former business law professor^[5]
• John Bohlinger, former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Montana^[6][7][8]
• John Walsh, incumbent U.S. Senator, former Lieutenant Governor of Montana and former Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard^[9][10]

Declined

• Max Baucus, former U.S. Senator^[11]
• Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana^[12]
• John Brueggeman, former Republican State Senator^[13]
• Shane Colton, attorney and former Commissioner of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks^[14]
• Amanda Curtis, State Representative^[15]
• Melinda Gopher, writer and candidate for Montana's at-large congressional district in 2010^[16]
• Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and former State Senator^[14]
• Denise Juneau, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction^[17]
• Nancy Keenan, former President of NARAL Pro-Choice America and former Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction^[18]
• John Lewis, former State Director for Senator Max Baucus (ran for the U.S. House)^[19]
• Monica Lindeen, Montana State Auditor^[20]
• Linda McCulloch, Secretary of State of Montana and former State Representative^[21]
• Mike McGrath, Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court and former Attorney General of Montana^[22]
• John Morrison, former Montana State Auditor and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006^[23]
• Brian Morris, Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Montana and former Associate Justice of the Montana Supreme Court^[14]
• Stephanie Schriock, President of Emily's List and former Chief of Staff to Senator Jon Tester^[24]
• Brian Schweitzer, former Governor of Montana^[25]
• Kendall Van Dyk, State Senator^[14]
• Mike Wheat, Justice of the Montana Supreme Court (ran for re-election)^[26]
• Carol Williams, former Majority Leader of the Montana Senate and nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Montana in 2000^[27]
• Pat Williams, former U.S. Representative^[27]
• Whitney Williams, former Director of Operations for Hillary Clinton^[27]
• Franke Wilmer, State Representative^[28]
• Johnathan Windy Boy, State Senator

Endorsements

John Walsh
Max Baucus, former U.S. Senator (D-MT)[29] Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana[30] Jon Tester, U.S. Senator (D-MT)[31] VoteVets.org[32] Council for a Livable World

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	John Walsh	Dirk Adams	John Bohlinger	Other	Undecided
Harper Polling	January 20–22, 2014	519	± 4.3%	23%	2%	23%	—	52%
Public Policy Polling	November 15–17, 2013	381	± 5%	39%	3%	31%	—	27%

Results

Democratic primary results^[33]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	John Walsh	48,665	64.04
	Democratic	John Bohlinger	17,187	22.62
	Democratic	Dirk Adams	10,139	13.34
Total votes			75,991	100

Democratic convention

Because Walsh withdrew, a nominating convention was held to pick a new nominee prior to August 20.^[34] The state party called a convention for August 16, and voting delegates were members of the State Central Committee, specifically: "one chair and one vice chair from each existing county central committee; one state committeeman and one state committeewoman from each county central committee; all voting members of the State Party Executive Board; the president of each chartered organization of the Montana Democratic Party; Montana State House leadership, and Montana State Senate leaders, and all Democrats currently holding statewide or federal office."^[35]

Candidates

Momentary buzz was created by a movement to draft actor Jeff Bridges for the nomination, with over 1,000 people signing a petition on Change.org and a Twitter account, DudeSenator, being created online. Bridges, who lives part-time and owns property in the Paradise Valley south of Livingston, Montana, declined the offer on the Howard Stern show, noting the disapproval of his wife. Other news outlets noted that he also was not registered to vote in Montana.^[36][37]

Potential

• Dirk Adams, rancher, businessman and former business law professor^[38]
• John Bohlinger, former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Montana^[38]
• Amanda Curtis, State Representative^[39]
• Linda McCulloch, Secretary of State of Montana^[40]
• Anna Whiting Sorrell, former director of the state Department of Health and Human Services and former state director of the Indian Health Services^[41]

Withdrew

• Franke Wilmer, State Representative^[39][42]
• David Wanzenried, State Senator^[39][43]

Declined

• Jeff Bridges, actor and part-time Montana resident^[36]
• Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana^[44]
• Denise Juneau, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction^[44]
• Nancy Keenan, former President of NARAL Pro-Choice America and former Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction^[45]
• Monica Lindeen, Montana State Auditor^[44]
• Stephanie Schriock, President of Emily's List and former Chief of Staff to Senator Jon Tester^[45]
• Brian Schweitzer, former Governor of Montana^[39]
• Carol Williams, former Majority Leader of the Montana Senate and nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Montana in 2000^[44]

Endorsements

Amanda Curtis

Elected officials Kirsten Gillibrand, Junior U.S. Senator from New York Jon Tester, Senior U.S. Senator from Montana[46] John Walsh, Junior U.S. Senator from Montana[47] Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana[48] Angela McLean, Lieutenant Governor of Montana[48][49] Linda McCulloch, Montana Secretary of State[48] Denise Juneau, Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction[48] Monica Lindeen, Montana Commissioner of Securities & Insurance[48] Mike Wheat, Montana Supreme Court Justice[50] Organizations Democracy for America, political action committee EMILY's List, political action committee[51] International Association of Firefighters, labor union[52] Montana AFL-CIO, labor union[43] Montana Conservation Voters, conservation movement organization[53] Montana Education Association-Montana Federation of Teachers, labor union[54] Montana Laborers' International Union of North America, labor union[55] Montana Native Vote, Native American rights organization[56] Montana Sportsmen Alliance, sportsmen and conservation organization[57] Montana State Building and Construction Trades Council, trade union[58] Montana Stonewall Democrats, LGBT rights group affiliated with the Democratic Party[59] NARAL Pro-Choice America, reproductive rights organization[60] National Organization for Women, feminist organization[61]

Results

Democratic convention results^[62]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Amanda Curtis	82	64
	Democratic	Dirk Adams	46	36
Total votes			128	100

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Susan Cundiff^[63]
• Steve Daines, U.S. Representative and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2008^[64][65]
• Champ Edmunds, State Representative^[66]

Withdrew

• David Leaser, air traffic manager at Glacier Park International Airport^[67][68]
• Corey Stapleton, former State Senator and candidate for Governor in 2012 (running for MT-AL)^[69]

Declined

• Chuck Baldwin, Baptist pastor, radio host, Constitution Party nominee for Vice President in 2004 and for President in 2008^[70]
• John Bohlinger, former Lieutenant Governor of Montana (ran as a Democrat)^[6]
• Tim Fox, Attorney General of Montana^[71]
• Rick Hill, former U.S. Representative and nominee for Governor in 2012^[72]
• Krayton Kerns, State Representative^[73]
• Marc Racicot, former Governor of Montana^[74]
• Scott Reichner, State Representative (ran for the State Senate)^[75]
• Matthew Rosendale, State Senator (ran for the U.S. House)^[76]
• Denny Rehberg, former U.S. Representative, former Lieutenant Governor and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1996 and 2012^[77]
• Jon Sonju, State Senator and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2012^[75]
• Larry R. Williams, author, commodity trader and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1978 and 1982^[78]
• Ryan Zinke, former State Senator and candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2012 (ran for the U.S. House)^[79]

Endorsements

Steve Daines
Gun Owners of America[80] Tea Party Express[81] Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and candidate for President of the United States in 2012[82] Citizens Against Government Waste Political Action Committee (CCAGW PAC)[83]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Steve Daines	Champ Edmunds	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	November 15–17, 2013	469	± 4.5%	66%	7%	27%

Results

Republican primary results^[33]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Steve Daines	110,565	83.37
	Republican	Susan Cundiff	11,909	8.98
	Republican	Champ Edmunds	10,151	7.65
Total votes			132,625	100

Libertarian nomination

Candidates

Declared

• Roger Roots, nominee for Secretary of State of Montana in 2012^[63]

Independents

Candidates

Declined

• John Bohlinger, former Lieutenant Governor of Montana (ran as a Democrat)^[6]
• Sam Rankin, real estate broker (did not qualify)^[84]

General election

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Steve Daines (R)	Amanda Curtis (D)	Other	Undecided
Gravis Marketing	October 23–24, 2014	604	± 4%	53%	39%	—	8%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	October 16–23, 2014	497	± 6%	56%	38%	0%	6%
The MSU-Billings Poll	October 6–11, 2014	410	± 5%	46.7%	30.6%	2.2%[85]	20.5%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	September 20–October 1, 2014	549	± 5%	55%	34%	0%	10%
Gravis Marketing	September 29–30, 2014	535	± 4%	54%	41%	—	5%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	August 18–September 2, 2014	684	± 5%	53%	35%	1%	11%
Rasmussen Reports	August 18–19, 2014	750	± 4%	55%	35%	2%	8%

Results

Montana's US Senate election, 2014^[87]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	Republican	Steve Daines	213,709	57.79	+30.71
	Democratic	Amanda Curtis	148,184	40.07	-32.85
	Libertarian	Roger Roots	7,933	2.14	n/a
Majority			65,525	17.72	+63.56
Turnout			369,826	100
	Republican gain from Democratic		Swing

See also

• United States House of Representatives election in Montana, 2014
• United States Senate elections, 2014
• United States elections, 2014

References

1. Camia, Catalina (February 7, 2014). "Montana gov taps John Walsh to replace Baucus in Senate". USA Today. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
2. Johnson, Charles (August 7, 2014). "Walsh drops out of U.S. Senate race". Billings Gazette. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
3. "Amanda Curtis wins Montana Democratic nomination to U.S. Senate". The Missoulian. August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
4. Ostermeier, Eric (November 17, 2014). "Will a Freshman US Representative Win a Senate Seat in 2016?". Smart Politics.
5. Dennison, Mike (August 14, 2013). "Wilsall rancher/political unknown says he's running as Democrat for Baucus' Senate seat". Billings Gazette.
6. "Former Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger says he's running for U.S. Senate". helenair.com. November 5, 2013.
7. "Bohlinger says he will probably drop out of U.S. Senate race". Missoulian. February 7, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
8. Dennison, Mike (March 8, 2014). "Bohlinger stays in US Senate race". Independent Record. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
9. Gorous, Matt (October 3, 2013). "Montana Democrats get Senate candidate". Yahoo News.
10. Johnson, Charles (7 August 2014). "Walsh drops out of race for U.S. Senate". Missoulian. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
11. "Baucus to retire rather than seek re-election in 2014, strategists say". Washington Post. April 23, 2013.
12. Associated Press (May 17, 2013). "Bullock says 'absolutely not' to Senate race". missoulian.com.
13. Lundquist, Laura (August 26, 2013). "Senate candidate wants more Congressional oversight". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
14. "Growing number of Montana Democrats consider U.S. Senate run". missoulian.com. July 15, 2013.
15. "U.S. House race hinges on Daines' decision". Ravalli Republic. 2013-10-05. Retrieved 2013-11-06.
16. "After careful consideration, I decided to not...". FaceBook. 2014-03-17. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
17. Trygstad, Kyle (August 5, 2013). "Yet Another Democrat Declines Montana Senate Bid". Roll Call. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
18. "Nancy Keenan joins Hilltop Public Solutions". The Montana Standard. December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
19. "Democrat John Lewis files to run for state's U.S. House seat". The Missoulian. August 26, 2013.
20. "Democrat Lindeen says no to run for U.S. Senate seat". The Missoulian. July 16, 2013.
21. "For Ambitious Montana Politicians, the Time Is Now". Roll Call. October 9, 2013.
22. Associated Press (May 5, 2013). "Montana Democratic women consider running for U.S. Senate". missoulian.com.
23. "Schweitzer decision prompts Dems to look at possibility of running". Billings Gazette. July 13, 2013.
24. REBECCA ELLIOTT (2013-07-31). "EMILY's List chief won't run for Senate". Politico.Com. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
25. Associated Press (July 13, 2013). "Schweitzer won't run for U.S. Senate seat". missoulian.com.
26. "Wheat to run for another term as Montana Supreme Court justice". missoulian.com. 10 January 2014.
27. Trygstad, Kyle. "Ex-Congressman Says No to Montana Senate Bid". Roll Call. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
28. "After spending the past several weeks speaking...". Facebook. September 9, 2013.
29. Hohmann, James (November 13, 2013). "Senate Dems give John Walsh a bear hug". Politico. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
30. "Bullock backs Walsh in Senate Democratic primary". Billings Gazette. November 15, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
31. "Tester endorses Walsh for U.S. Senate seat". KPAX-TV. November 6, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
32. "VoteVets PAC Endorses Walsh for Senate". VoteVets.org. December 2, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
33. "2014 Statewide Montana Primary Election Canvas" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
34. Dan Roberts (August 7, 2014). "Montana Senate candidate John Walsh pulls out of race after plagiarism scandal". The Guardian. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
35. "Montana Democratic Party Releases Process and Procedures for Special Nominating Convention". Montana Democratic Party. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
36. Missoulian State Bureau (2014-08-12). "'The Dude' won't abide calls for U.S. Senate run in Montana". Ravalli Republic. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
37. Lee, Kurtis (2014-08-12). "With John Walsh's exit, Montana Democrats prepare to select new nominee". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
38. "At least 3 seek to replace Walsh on Montana's U.S. Senate ballot". Ravallirepublic.com. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
39. "Schweitzer, Bullock won't replace Walsh in Senate race". Missoulian.com. 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2014-08-09.
40. Greg Strandberg (August 10, 2014). "Who is Montana's Linda McCulloch?". Big Sky Words.
41. "Butte's Curtis, other Democrats interested in Walsh seat". The Montana Standard. 2014-08-07. Retrieved 2014-08-10.
42. Saboe, Beth (August 11, 2014). "Franke Wilmer drops out of race for U.S. Senate". 7 KBZK.
43. "Wanzenried ends effort for Democratic nomination in U.S. Senate race". Billings Gazette. August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
44. "Schweitzer, Bullock won't replace Walsh in Senate race". Ravalli Republic. August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
45. "Walsh ends Senate campaign amid plagiarism scandal". The Hill. August 7, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
46. "GOP, Dems react to new U.S. Senate candidate". NBC Montana. August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
47. "Senators reiterate support for Democratic upstart". Montana Standard. September 1, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
48. "In Support of Amanda". Amanda for Montana. September 2, 2014. Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
49. "Jon Tester, Lt. Gov. McLean speak about importance of labor at picnic". The Missoulian. September 1, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
50. "Candidates crisscross state pushing voters to the polls". Billings Gazette. October 31, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
51. "EMILY's List Puts Amanda Curtis "On The List"". EMILY's List. September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
52. "Amanda Curtis spoke at the Fire Fighters' convention this morning. She also received their endorsement.". Amanda for Montana Facebook. September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
53. "MCV Endorses Amanda Curtis for U.S. Senate". Montana Conservation Voters. September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
54. "Adams, Curtis, Wanzenried vying to replace Walsh in Senate race – and maybe Bohlinger". Billings Gazette. August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
55. "Amanda Curtis endorsements- Laborers". Support Amanda Curtis for the U.S. Senate- Facebook. September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
56. "Amanda Curtis endorsements- Native Vote". Support Amanda Curtis for the U.S. Senate- Facebook. September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
57. "We are proud to announce that Amanda has the full support of the Montana Sportsmen Alliance in her quest to be our next U.S. Senator". Support Amanda Curtis for the U.S. Senate- Facebook. August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
58. "Senate candidate Curtis picks up left-leaning endorsements". Montana Standard. August 21, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
59. "We will proudly support Rep. Amanda Curtis tomorrow to be the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate". Montana Stonewall Democrats- Facebook. August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
60. "NARAL PRO-CHOICE AMERICA AND NARAL PRO-CHOICE MONTANA RELEASE A STATEMENT ON MONTANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOMINATION OF AMANDA CURTIS". NARAL. August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
61. "Amanda Curtis endorsements- NOW". Support Amanda Curtis for the U.S. Senate- Facebook. September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
62. "Amanda Curtis wins Montana Democratic nomination to U.S. Senate". The Missoulian. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
63. Charles S. Johnson (March 10, 2014). "Missoula's Edmunds, Cundiff file for U.S. Senate race; Fellows runs for House". Missoulian. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
64. Taylor, Jessica (April 23, 2013). "Baucus retires, but a Schweitzer candidacy may be better for Dems". NBC News. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
65. Raju, Manu (November 5, 2013). "Steve Daines to announce Senate bid". POLITICO. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
66. Trygstad, Kyle (February 27, 2013). "Montana: Baucus Gets Second GOP Challenger". Roll Call. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
67. "Kalispell man launches Senate bid". Daily Inter Lake. October 2, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
68. "Kalispell air-traffic manager drops US Senate bid". Independent Record. February 18, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
69. "Montana Senate Field Now Cleared for Daines | #MTSEN | At the Races". Atr.rollcall.com. 2013-09-03. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
70. Baldwin, Chuck (February 25, 2013). "Chuck Baldwin: Christians: It's Time to Vote With Your Feet". Independent Political Report. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
71. Sullivan, Sean (April 23, 2013). "All eyes on Brian Schweitzer in wake of Max Baucus retirement". The Fix. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
72. "GOP Rep. Steve Daines mulling Montana Senate bid once more". TheHill. 2014-06-23. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
73. "2014 FIELD SHAPING UP". Montana Cowgirl. July 16, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
74. ""
75. "Formerly 'all in' House candidate now won't run". Billings Gazette. 3 October 2013.
76. Johnson, Charles S. (October 15, 2013). "Rosendale launches House race". Independent Record. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
77. "Rehberg will not run in 2014". MTN News. 13 January 2014.
78. Johnson, Charles S. (October 3, 2013). "Larry Williams running for Senate — unless Daines does". Billings Gazette. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
79. Lutey, Tom (October 21, 2013). "Whitefish's Zinke announces GOP candidacy for U.S. House". Missoulian. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
80. "The Race That Could Unseat Anti-Gun Harry Reid As Senate Majority Leader". AmmoLand. November 20, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
81. Jaffe, Alexandra (December 6, 2013). "Daines gets Tea Party backing in Senate bid". The Hill. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
82. "Rick Santorum and Patriot Voices PAC Announce Endorsements in Four Key U.S. Senate Races". Patriot Voices. April 22, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
83. Booze, Alexandra (August 28, 2014). "CCAGW PAC Endorses Rep. Steve Daines for U.S. Senate". Businesswire.come. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
84. Dennison, Mike (February 10, 2014). "Billings real estate broker seeks spot on ballot for Montana's U.S. Senate seat". Missoulian. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
85. Roger Roots (L)
86. Roger Roots (L) 4%, Other 5%
87. "Montana Secretary of State 2014 General Election". Montana Secretary of State. November 4, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2014.

External links

• U.S. Senate elections in Montana, 2014 at Ballotpedia
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org