The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

HAVRE – On Saturday, September 14 during the Sugarbeet Festival, Chinook residents, Barb and Greg Jergeson, played host to Democrat Kimberly Dudik, a candidate for Attorney General. An attorney living and practicing in Missoula, Dudik was the first candidate to announce a bid to replace current Republican Attorney General Tim Fox who cannot run again because of term limits. If elected, Dudik would be the first woman to hold the attorney general's office in Montana.

Born and raised in the state, Dudik attended Montana State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Dudik practiced as a registered nurse for two years, specializing in neonatal intensive care. Inspired by her volunteer work helping families and children escape domestic violence and wanting to have a larger impact, she attended the University of Montana School of Law. After graduating with honors in 2003, Dudik worked as a law clerk for Justice William Leaphart of the Montana Supreme Court. She later earned a master's degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on improving the health of large populations and protecting children from sexual abuse.

On her website, Dudik claims: "I am passionate about being Attorney General to ensure equal justice for all Montanans. My priorities are to protect consumers, safeguard our rights, reform our criminal justice system, and keep our public lands in public hands."

Jergeson said he first met Dudik during the thirteenth legislative session while he was serving as a senator. "She has a pretty good record for working across the aisle, especially on issues like human trafficking and protecting children," Jergeson said.

Elected to office on November 6, 2012, Dudik is currently serving her fourth consecutive term in the Montana House of Representatives. During her service, she has sponsored legislation and initiatives that reform public safety, guard communities from sex offenders, safeguard vulnerable populations-especially children, and improve criminal justice.

While in Chinook, she talked about these abilities and interests. According to Jergeson, conversations swirled around issues apropos to rural residents. "One issue that we discussed is the current phenomenon with insurance companies which offer Medicare prescription plans like Humana. Many of these plans require pharmaceuticals to be purchased through mail order providers. Rural communities depend on the five or so jobs that may be lost due to mail order business. Kimberly said she would take a look at that phenomenon, which I quite frankly think should be illegal," Jergeson said. "People forget the value of a local pharmacist who often monitors for prescription use, ensuring that those who require refill reminders receive them and that those who might run the risk of too much medication or the wrong combinations also have the information they need for healthy living. When a pharmacist is invested in the community, rural residents get that kind of care. Mail order companies just fill orders."

Following the Open House, Dudik and her driver walked the parade route, distributed candy, and spoke with other Blaine County residents who were in Chinook for the Sugarbeet Festival.

In his role as Chairman of Blaine County Democrats, Jergeson hopes to invite other candidates to come to Chinook so that residents are aware of issues important to rural families.