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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Race For Superintendent Of Public Instruction Still Too Close To Call

The latest returns show Republican Elsie Arntzen leading Democrat Melissa Romano in the race for state school superintendent as of early this morning.

Arntzen, a legislator and teacher from Billings, says she feels overwhelmed and excited about her lead.

"We have 411 very unique school districts that service 145,000 very unique students and it is going to be a lot of work but I’ve got that positive personality," said Arntzen.

Arntzen and Romano are running for the open seat now held by Denise Juneau, who ran unsuccessfully for Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House.

Romano is an elementary teacher in Helena. This was her first run for political office. She jumped to an early lead in the race, but saw it evaporate.

"I feel optimistic about this race," Romano said last night. "I am really proud to have the education community and the state behind me. It is a huge positive for me. I am so grateful for their support. I feel positive about where we’re at. I am confident that we are going to pull it out."

As of early this morning, The Associated Press considered the race too close to call.

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