Lieser 'honored' to represent Whitefish again

Whitefish Democrat Ed Lieser is going back to the Montana Legislature for second term. The incumbent garnered 55 percent of the vote Nov. 4 in House District 5 to defeat Republican challenger Doug Adams.

“It continues to be an amazing honor to represent Whitefish,” Lieser told the Pilot. “It makes the long days and trips to Helena worthwhile.”

Lieser, a retired forester from Whitefish, says he’s more confident and prepared for the challenges he’ll face in Helena having served in 2013.

For starters, he says he’ll be more judicious in the bills he brings forth. Lieser sponsored 15 bills as a freshman Democrat in a Republican led House.

“I now know what’s realistic and how the majority rules and the effect that has,” Lieser said.

“I know there will be bills coming my way, but I’m going to be more selective this time. It was unwieldy last time.”

He says the election of fellow Democrat Zac Perry in Columbia Falls’ House District 3 will help his efforts.

“I’m delighted Zac won,” Lieser said. “The two of us have a special interest in the Flathead. It will be helpful to have someone close to our community that I can bounce ideas off of.”

Perry narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Jerry O’Neil.

Lieser said being an incumbent was a clear advantage in his campaign. At many of the doors he knocked on, the residents remembered him stopping by in 2012, he said.

“There was a distinct advantage in name recognition,” he said.

He called Adams a formidable opponent and respected his clean campaign.

“I appreciate the campaign he ran,” he said. “There was not an attack from either side.”

Lieser picked up most of his votes in urban Whitefish precincts. He took 63 percent of votes in precinct 20, and 65 percent in precinct 47.

Adams won precinct 48 with 62 percent of votes, and narrowly won precinct 49 at 51 percent.

The 64th session of the Montana Legislature will convene on Jan. 5.