Montana Public Radio is gathering information on all statewide primary candidates to publish as a resource for our audience. We asked all the statewide candidates to respond to the following questions via email, limiting their answers to 300 words per question. These are their unedited responses.
Secretary of State candidate Scott Sales:
What is your full name as it will appear on ballots?
Scott Sales
What is your age?
59
Where do you live?
Gallatin County
What is your education background?
BBA Industrial Business Boise State University
What is your current occupation?
Senate President, Custom Haying, semi retired
Why are you running for this particular public office?
The right of citizens to vote is one of the constitutional cornerstones of our Republic and needs to be continually protected. Maintaining the integrity and security of our elections will be one of my top priorities.
What makes you qualified to hold this position?
20 years of private business experience, only candidate that has any connection to the land, owns and operates a small custom haying business and had a small set of cattle for 20 years, worked as a licenced big hunting guide, 16 years of legislative experience, both Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. Over 100 current and former members of the Legislature have endorsed my candidacy.
What are three policy issues that distinguish you from your opponent(s)?
Everyone says that they are opposed to same day voter registration, I'm the only one that voted against it in the legislature. After traveling the state and meeting with 46 of our 56 election administrators, I have come to the conclusion that the partnership and communication between the counties and SOS office need to be strengthened, this will be another priority. I am the only person running for SOS that has any connection to the agriculture community, this will be a great help to me on the land board.
What are the greatest issues facing Montana that have gone unsolved by elected officials and how would you address them?