Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) Board President Keith Foley has removed himself from the race for the District Three vacancy on the Jefferson County Commission, making his opponent, former County Sheriff Craig Doolittle, the presumptive electee.
Foley, a Clancy resident and U.S. Army veteran, says he is abandoning his campaign to focus on his “many” other responsibilities, including raising four daughters as a single father.
“Joining the Commission is something I’ve wanted to do for a long while, and something I still intend to do, someday,” said Foley. “But, honestly, I thought I’d have more time before a seat opened up. When I started my campaign, I went into hyperdrive, and it ended up being a bit much, with everything else I’m doing. I have a deep loyalty to this community, and, ultimately, I left the race after taking a hard look at how I can best serve it.”
Beyond his responsibilities as JLDC board president, Foley said he is in the process of opening an equestrian therapy facility for disabled veterans at his Clancy ranch. He is preparing a barn and other buildings to house 20 horses, as well as on-site care and sleep facilities for the veterans themselves. Foley said he is extensively involved in Impact Montana, a state-wide veterans service, and hopes to improve the scope of care offered to veterans in Montana.
“We’re getting close to the finish line for preparing the ranch for vets,” said Foley. “It’ll be beautiful once up and going, and it’s just one of many things that, in the near-term, I need to focus on. I have every faith in Craig (Doolittle); he’s a great candidate and will do great work for the county.”
Foley’s resignation leaves Doolittle, who was reelected Sheriff five consecutive times before he opted not to run again in 2022, without competition for the Commission spot. Doolittle did not respond to The Monitor’s requests for comment.
