HELENA - Former state Rep. Gail Gutsche of Missoula, who is challenging Public Service Commissioner Doug Mood in a western Montana district, staked out a big fundraising lead in reports filed Thursday.
Gutsche, a Democrat, reported raising nearly $18,000 since entering the race this spring, compared to only $525 for Mood, the incumbent Republican.
However, neither candidate has a primary opponent, giving them each plenty of time to gear up for the fall general election. The five-member PSC regulates utilities in Montana and often affects energy policy in the state.
Three of its seats have contested races this year, and all three are expected to be hard-fought, potentially close contests.
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