So far, four candidates have thrown their hats into the ring in vie for Dan Villa's seat for House District 86.

Villa resigned his seat recently to take a job as education policy advisor to Governor Brian Schweitzer. 

Those who have applied for the seat include Kelly Richards, Kathy Swanson, James Flynn and William "Red" Menehan, according to Villa who is also the Chairman of the Anaconda Deer Lodge Democratic Central Committee. All of those in the running are from Anaconda. 

The deadline to apply is at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and those interested are asked to send a letter to Villa at 417 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana at 59711.

The candidates will be interviewed and three names will be submitted at a joint meeting of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and Granite County Commissioners, Villa said.