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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Law Professor To Run As Gop - If He Runs

From Staff And Wire Reports

Law professor Rob Natelson won’t say whether he plans to run for governor next year - but if he does, it will be as a Republican, not as an independent.

“Frankly, I’ve never liked the third-party idea,” Natelson said in a telephone interview with the Lee Newspapers state bureau.

“I’m a lifelong Republican, and the third party always raises the risk it would hurt the Republican Party.”

He said he is not ready to announce his plans beyond that.

Natelson is a sharp critic of Gov. Marc Racicot, a fellow Republican. He said several people have urged him to challenge Racicot in the GOP primary next year. He also led the drive to suspend an income tax increase in 1993.

Democrats have been intrigued with the thought that Natelson might run as an independent, figuring he would siphon votes away from Racicot.

“The only reason I would do this (run against Racicot) is, I believe Montana needs some substantial and fundamental changes,” he said.