SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2017, 2:42 P.M.
Mark Wicks, standing, addresses Montana Libertarians gathering for their party's nominating convention in Helena, Mont., on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Wicks will represent the Libertarian Party in the May 25 special election to fill the state's vacant congressional seat. (Bobby Caina Calvan / AP)
HELENA Montanas Libertarian Party picked Mark Wicks to be its candidate in the May 25 special election, finalizing the slate to fill the states vacant congressional seat.
The 46-year-old cattle rancher and writer from Inverness will be up against Democrat Rob Quist, a political newcomer, and Republican Greg Gianforte, who unsuccessfully ran for governor last fall.
The Libertarian Party selected Wicks during a nominating convention Saturday in Helena attended by about three dozen people.
Wicks acknowledged the long odds against him.
I know its an uphill battle, he said. I can see where I have a lot of advantages. My party is not fighting with anybody. The other parties are fighting back and forth. Im going to stand up and show that Montana can send somebody back to Washington who can stand up for Montana.
After being nominated, Wicks brushed off questions about his ability to mount a serious campaign. He said he would travel the state to convince voters that his candidacy represents an opportunity to set aside the hyper-partisanship in Washington.
With just $1,000 in the bank, Wicks has little chance of getting the necessary attention from voters across the expansive state.
He said he would draw votes from Republicans and Democrats alike, but rejected that he would act as a spoiler.
He took a jab at Gianforte, a wealthy Bozeman entrepreneur, who Wicks noted has the ability to self-finance his congressional campaign as he did in his bid for governor. And Wicks asserted Quist as out of touch with the philosophical and political convictions of most Montanans.
A tight race between Gianforte and Quist could put Wicks in a position to influence the outcome of the race.
In the 2016 gubernatorial campaign, the Libertarian ticket drew 3 percent of the vote just below the 4 percent margin separating Gianforte and Gov. Steve Bullock, who was re-elected with slightly more than half of all votes cast.
Each candidate has their own ideas about the direction we should take for our country, but Gregs running for Congress to be on Montanas side, said the Republicans spokesman, Shane Scanlon.
Quist said he welcomed Wicks in the race.
Its good for Montanans to have choices in this election and we are confident that Rob Quist will earn Montanans vote as an independent voice for Montana, said Quists spokeswoman, Tina Olechowski.
Quist, a well-known entertainer, stumped for votes in Helena and Butte on Saturday and was scheduled to hold a rally in Polson later in the evening. He was expected to meet with supporters in Whitefish on Monday.
View post:
Libertarians pick Inverness rancher for congressional race - The Spokesman-Review
- Is Libertarian Gary Johnson a factor in Clinton-Trump matchup ... [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Hawaiian libertarian [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2016]
- CNN to host Libertarian ticket for town hall - CNNPolitics.com [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Learn Liberty | What is Libertarian? [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- 2016 Libertarian Party National Convention [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Libertarian Republican - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Learn Liberty | What is Libertarian? [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Libertarian town hall: What to watch - CNNPolitics.com [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party - Facebook [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party of Florida [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- How Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson hopes to win over ... [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- CNN town hall gives Libertarian Party an unprecedented shot ... [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- HOME - The Advocates for Self-Government [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2016]
- Libertarian Reddit: Social News from a Libertarian Point of View [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party on the Issues [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Debra J. Saunders - The Libertarian Alternative, Gary Johnson [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Home - Libertarian Party of Texas [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2016]
- Reason.com [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2016]
- Libertarian presidential candidate says he'd 'lose no ... [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party of Texas [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party of Alabama [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Libertarian Candidate Gary Johnson Still Rising, Says New ... [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Home - Libertarian Party of Ohio [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Libertarian Party of Illinois [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2016]
- Libertarian Johnson defends Melania Trump on speech [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2016]
- Libertarian ticket Gary Johnson: Mitt Romney is weighing ... [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2016]
- Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson: A vote for Clinton or ... [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2016]
- Libertarian Candidates Gary Johnson, Bill Weld Pitch ... [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2016]
- Libertarian ticket could spoil Clinton party (Opinion ... [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2016]
- Libertarian ticket eyes post-convention opening and ... [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2016]
- Welcome to the Libertarian Party of North Carolina [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2016]
- Welcome- Libertarian Party of Connecticut [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2016]
- Let Libertarian Gary Johnson debate Clinton and Trump ... [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2016]
- Libertarian ticket eyes post-convention opening and debate ... [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2016]
- Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson hires GOP operative to ... [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2016]
- What is The Libertarian Party? | Libertarian Party [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2016]
- Libertarian Gary Johnson: 'We should embrace immigration ... [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2016]
- Libertarian Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson Asks 'What Is ... [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2016]
- The Libertarian Ticket: Johnson and Weld - CBS News [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2016]
- Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson has another "Aleppo moment" [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2016]
- Why is Gary Johnson still in the race - CNNPolitics.com [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2016]
- Chicago Tribune endorses Libertarian candidate Gary ... [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2016]
- Who Is a Libertarian? | Foundation for Economic Education [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2016]
- Libertarian Reddit: Social News from a Libertarian Point of ... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- The Libertarian Party Platform - A Quick Summary [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Libertarian Party | Libertarian Party [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2017]
- Libertarian Party of Bexar County Texas | "Liberty and ... [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2017]
- Libertarian Candidates Expose Themselves as Anti-Trump ... [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2017]
- 3 Questions for Bernie Supporters - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Libertarians against gas tax - Jackson Sun [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Libertarian Party Gets Victory in Suit Aimed at the Partisanship of Commission on Presidential Debates - Reason (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Libertarian candidates seek Pompeo seat - Wichita Eagle [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- A Warning From A Spanish Libertarian - Being Libertarian (satire) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- What I Saw at the Anti-Milo, UC Berkeley Riots! - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Libertarian Party Chairman Repeats Lie About MILO Outing Illegals At Berkeley - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Why Should a Libertarian Take Universal Basic Income Seriously? - Niskanen Center (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Perfectionism Is Insanity And Impossible To Accomplish - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Updated! Meet the Libertarian-Leaning GOP Texas State Senator[s] Whose Career[s] Donald Trump Wants To Destroy - Reason (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Little Libertarians on the Prairie: The Hidden Politics Behind a ... - History [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Does The United States Lack Innocence? - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Digital Privacy Further Eroded By US Dept. of Justice - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- China Begins Talks to Regulate Bitcoin - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Local Libertarians back ballot access bill | Local | mywebtimes.com - MyWebTimes.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- BREAKING: NH State Representative Joins Libertarian Party ... - Free Keene [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Ancapistan - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Libertarian think tanks, Kansas health secretary testify against expanding Medicaid - Topeka Capital Journal [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Stephen Henderson and Libertarian Shikha Dalmia Debate Future of Healthcare - WDET [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- BTCC Chief: 2-3 Years Before China Regulates Bitcoin - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Cuban Libertarian Activists Arrested By State Police - The Libertarian Republic [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Libertarians set to become official political party in Iowa - The Daily Nonpareil [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Libertarian Author Charles Murray Calls for Pause in Low ... [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Libertarian ticket cost Trump the popular vote | Washington Examiner - Washington Examiner [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Penn Jillette: The Ideal Libertarian Candidate - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Pence hires libertarian Calabria as chief economist - Politico (blog) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Echo Chambers, Rhetoric, and the Political Gray Zone - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Rand Paul, to Libertarians Critical of His Sessions Vote: 'I would ... - Reason (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- I'm a Libertarian Man, and I Support Feminism. - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Former Libertarian presidential candidate visits alma mater - Standard Online [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Libertarians split with Trump over controversial police tactic - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]