Auditor race offers a choice based on experience

Four years ago, a majority of Montanans voted against spending the small amount of money it would take to rename the office of state auditor to reflect what the position actually does. Now, both Democrat Shane Morigeau and Republican Troy Downing are stressing how important the job is to protect Montanans and grow the economy.

The position oversees the insurance and the securities industries in Montana; enforcing laws, licensing companies to practice in Montana, and investigating fraud in both industries.

In many ways, this is a campaign about what kind of experience Montanans want in that office: a businessman who has worked in companies regulated by the state auditor or a politician who has worked to protect the interests of individuals.