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."
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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.
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