Ex-governor candidate commends Loranger

Editor,

Don Loranger is one of a handful of truly unique individuals whom I have met over the course of my life.

Don called me in 2004 when I was running for Governor and told me he was interested in assisting me with my campaign. He told me he was retired from the U.S. Air Force and living in Bigfork. My first and most rewarding teaching job was at Bigfork High School where I taught American Government and coached the speech team. Don and I had Bigfork in common and a deep mutual affection for it.

I soon learned that the easy-going guy on the telephone was retired Major General Don Loranger, a Havre native who had been referred to me by our mutual friend, former Governor Stan Stephens. Don ended up spending hundreds of hours in our 2004 campaign effort. He stands strongest when the going is the toughest. His mind is razor sharp. He is always questioning, listening and learning.

In reflecting back, I think the outcome in the race for Governor might have been different if we had discovered Don earlier and given him greater responsibility.

When he contacted me last summer and told me he was interested in running for the state Senate I literally jumped out of my chair with enthusiasm. Don Loranger is exactly the kind of person we need in the legislature.

I also know one of Don's primary election opponents. He has served in the legislature and is dedicated and committed to his beliefs. He will do an adequate job if elected, as most likely will the third candidate in the Republican primary.

But Don Loranger has commanded three U.S. Air Force bases. The buck stopped with him. He bore the early responsibility for enforcing the no-fly zone over all of southern Iraq, a responsibility with enormous implications on an international scale.

Don Loranger won't dodge or avoid the tough issues. I personally know that giving in to challenges is simply not part of his make-up. He will good-naturedly inquire about issues. He will analyze them. He will formulate a plan to solve them. He will involve others, and he will lead in the implementation of the plan.

It has been a long time since someone of Don Loranger's experience and ability has been importantly involved in the political leadership of Montana. I have come to know Don well, and the better I have gotten to know him, the more greatly impressed I have become with him. He has stepped forward, and if the people of Senate District Five get behind him they will be making a solid decision for better government both for themselves and for all Montana.

Bob Brown

Whitefish