The GOP's kickoff officially jump started the Presidential Caucus vote in Montana as the weekend event attracted close family members to three of the Republican Presidential campaigns.
The candidates campaigning in the political heavyweight state of Florida and relied on family members to make their pitch here in the Treasure State.
Potential First Lady Janet Huckabee made the cross country trek following campaign appearances Thursday in Miami.
With Montana now serving as a Super Tuesday state, the former first lady of Arkansas says she wanted to make a direct appeal on her husband's behalf.
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney's son Josh makes his second trip to Billings. He focused on the War on Terror and economic competitiveness from Asia; all while touting his father's record.
Although low in the polls nationwide, Texas Congressman Ron Paul has proven an effective campaign organization in Montana.
His son, Rand Paul, came with a call to action to Republicans in opposing the war in Iraq, telling the GOP faithful that current policies are responsible for shrinking their party nationwide.
With less than a week and a half to go till the caucus vote, this was the final chance for the campaigns to make their pitch in Montana.
Nonetheless, at least the Huckabee campaign saying this Republican nomination fight could last till September.
(From January 26, 2007)
Montana Republicans meet in Billings this weekend for their "Winter Kickoff" leading up to the presidential caucus in February.
Family members of a few Presidential candidates also came to town to campaign.
The early caucus brings presidential campaigns to Montana and creates more interest. The last time the Montana Republican party held a Winter Kickoff, about 80 people showed up. This year more than 300 came to the Winter Kickoff.
The wife of Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee joined a host of presidential candidate family members making their pitch to the GOP faithful.
Janet Huckabee is the former First Lady of Arkansas. Huckabee was introduced by Bozeman businessman Steve Daines.
Also making their pitch Saturday, Mitt Romney's son Josh who made his second trip to Billings for the campaign.
And after a rally in Bozeman, Rand Paul, son of Texas Congressman Ron Paul, carried his fathers anti-war message as a wake up call for the GOP faithful.
The new caucus system also means more enthusiasm for the Montana GOP. Republicans hope that carries into November.
The Montana Republicans finish the kickoff Saturday night with a banquet.
The GOP Caucus to choose a presidential candidate is February 5th.
Montana Democrats will wait until the June primary and will make their presidential choices then. The state's Democratic party chair Dennis McDonald says in any ordinary year that would be too late to play a meaningful role in choosing a nominee. But he says this is no ordinary year. "This presidential selection process may go right to the end. And in fact may not be determined until the convention in Denver.," said McDonald, "So yeah, there's a possibility that Montana could play a role in the selection of the nominee."
-Aaron Flint reporting from KTVQ in Billings
-Additional information provided by David Jay reporting from KTVQ in Billings
(From January 25, 2007)
A big weekend in Billings for the Republican party as it prepares for the Super Tuesday caucus vote on February 5th.
Family members of three GOP presidential candidates will speak at the event.
Mitt Romney's son Josh will address the crowd at 11:00 am Saturday. At 3:00 pm, Janet Huckabee, the wife of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, makes an appearance. And at 4:00 pm, Rand Paul, son of Texas Congressman Ron Paul, will speak.
Headlining the event is chairman of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council James Steele Jr. will give the keynote address at 6:30 pm.
The event is taking place at the Holiday Inn Grand in Billings.
In a head-to-head interview at Q2 in Billings, the leaders of both Montana's Democratic and Republican Parties squared off on the issues; including the GOP's decision to host an early caucus vote.
GOP Chairman Erik Iverson and Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald debated issues ranging energy development to the up and coming race for Governor. But whether it's the national presidential race or local campaigns in Montana, both men say the top issue is the economy.
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