big sky democrats

Group Backs 4 Young Democrats for State Legislature

HELENA – The Big Sky Democrats weighed in on the primary election for the Montana legislature today, endorsing four young Democrats for the Montana House of Representatives.

The Big Sky Democrats, with more than 400 members across Montana, has launched a first-of-its kind initiative to build a new generation of Montana leaders and “pump new blood into the Democratic Party,” said Tim Tatarka, Big Sky Democrats Political Director.

“These endorsements are an important step to toward fulfilling our group’s mission: mobilizing young people and building a new generation of Montana leadership,” Tatarka said. “We’re going to raise money, provide grassroots resources, and do everything we can to get these folks elected.” Here's the list.

The group hopes to help secure the Democratic majority in the legislature by backing these strong candidates in the Democratic Primary, all of whom are under the age of 37.

The endorsements are part of the Big Sky Democrats’ “New Era” campaign, which strives to “turn a new day in Montana into a new era in Montana.” The group will be announcing endorsements for the general election after the June 7 primary.

Big Sky Democrats Primary Endorsements:

Kendall Van Dyk for House District 49 (Billings):

Van Dyk, 26, is a founding member of the Big Sky Democrats and formerly the group’s Regional Director in Billings. Van Dyk helped build a vibrant group in Billings and is endorsed by the Montana Conservation Voters and the local Teamsters Union. HD49 is the battleground seat vacated by Rep. Roy Brown (R), who is running for the State Senate. Van Dyk is a lead organizer for Northern Plains Resource Council.

Rep. Dan Villa for House District 86 (Anaconda):

Villa, 23, won election to the House in 2004. As a legislator, Villa provided steady leadership on education, healthcare, and economic development issues, and he demonstrated that a young leader can succeed in Helena.

Michelle Reinhart for House District 97 (Missoula):

Reinhart, 26, worked for the Northern Plains Resource Council for the past three legislative session and helped pass renewable energy policy and meat labeling for family agriculture. Reinhart is seeking to replace Rep. Dave Wanzenried, and, if elected, would be the youngest woman serving in the Montana legislature.

Nick Lawyer for House District 13 (Sanders County/ Trout Creek):

Lawyer, 24, was a firefighter and a paramedic before returning home to help run Lawyer Nursery, a large employer in the district. Lawyer, a Plains Community Ambulance volunteer and active Chamber of Commerce member, is the Democrats’ best hope of retaining Paul Clark’s term-limited seat.