GOP Field For Governor Grows Even Larger

State Sen. Jeff Essmann is joining a crowded Republican primary field vying for governor in 2012.

That brings the GOP field to eight after the recent announcements from science fiction author Drew Turiano of Helena and anti-wolf activist Bob Fanning of Pray. There are still several months before the filing deadline for more to enter the race.

Better-known Republicans in the race include: former Congressman Rick Hill, security expert Neil Livingstone, and former state legislators Corey Stapleton of Billings and Ken Miller of Laurel.

Democrats have just two candidates so far, Attorney General Steve Bullock and State Sen. Larry Jent of Bozeman.

Essmann, from Billings, promised in his announcement to focus on job growth with such initiatives as reforming the state tax code to spur investment.

Associated Press