Even as the head teller at a Montana credit union, Kathy Keenan-Swanson knows full well her "family business" has long been politics-which is why she never hesitated about running for a seat in the Montana House this fall.
"My father was a state representative, my sister is a former state superintendent of public instruction and my daughter is a staffer working for U.S. Senator Jon Tester," explained Keenan-Swanson who recalls growing up amidst lively political debates at the kitchen table as part "of a Democrat family of Catholics."
Keenan-Swanson said she is fortunate the management of the $91 million Southwest Montana Community FCU of Anaconda backs her decision to enter local politics "and in this way help support the credit union movement."
Her first and perhaps only test for the 86th District seat representing Anaconda-Deer Lodge and Granite Counties comes in the June 8 Montana primary in which she faces an opponent from a nearby community. With little GOP opposition, the June 8 winner can effectively claim the election prize in November in this heavily Democratic blue-collar area of the state.
Keenan-Swanson who has been with Southwest Montana 19 years is seeking a seat held by former Rep. Dan Villa, who resigned to become education adviser to Sen., Tester, also a Democrat. As for Tester, "yes, I can say that Jon very firmly understands and supports credit unions," added Kennan-Swanson.
