The Primary Fights Mike Dennison is Keeping an Eye On

Which legislative races will longtime capitol correspondent Mike Dennison be keeping an eye on during this primary election here in Montana?

Here's the full list, along with a breakdown from the Montana Television Network's (MTN) Mike Dennison:

Senate

SD41, Helena, Democratic: Mike Uda v. Rep. Janet Ellis. Winner of primary the clear favorite in November.

SD43, Ravalli County, GOP: Sen. Pat Connell of Hamilton facing two challengers, include Jason Ellsworth, who’s put $50K of own money into campaign. Winner of the primary is the senator, since no Dem in the general.

House

HD7, Kalispell: GOP Rep. Frank Garner faces challenge from Robert Welzel.

HD17, Golden Triangle: GOP Rep. Ross Fitzgerald of Fairfield faces challenge from Andrew Watson

HD21, Great Falls: Sen. Ed Buttrey in three-way GOP primary for open House seat.

HD46, Billings: Former U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer has GOP primary opponent, Josiah Loven, for this open seat.

HD50 (Dem-held)), 52 (GOP-held): Billings: Contested GOP and Dem primaries in both, for open seats

HD68, Belgrade: Former U.S. Sen. candidate Ron Murray challenging GOP Rep. Bruce Grubbs, the guy who beat Art Wittich in 2016.

HD70, Townsend: Four-way GOP primary; winner faces only a Libertarian in general.

HD81, Helena: Sen. Mary Caferro v. Helena City Councilman Rob Farris-Olsen. Probably the hardest-fought Dem primary in the state. Labor, enviros trying to beat Caferro, who’s long been an advocate for poor and disabled. Winner is the Rep; no GOP candidate in general.

HD92, East Missoula/Seeley-Swan: GOP Rep. Mike Hopkins in three-way primary.