Fox seeks election for state's attorney general position

Tim Fox, a Republican with eastern Montana ties, was in Sidney Tuesday for the Montana Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Fox is fresh off a primary victory in his hunt for the position of attorney general.

"Winning the primary is a good first step," Fox told the Herald. "I'm looking forward to the next five months of campaigning and meeting people."

During the previous 11 months, Fox traveled 53,000 miles on campaign trips in Montana. "It was a terrific experience."

Fox grew up in Hardin and graduated from Hardin High School. He then earned degrees in geology and law from the University of Montana. According to his Web site, Fox began practicing law with the Billings law firm of Moulton, Bellingham & Longo in 1988. He first entered public service in 1990 when recruited to develop a new environmental regulatory program for the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation. After three years as a State of Montana employee, he established a solo law firm in Billings where he served as a contract public defender for the City of Billings practicing criminal law, in addition to maintaining a civil law practice.

Fox says he has been endorsed by many prominent and "ordinary Montanans." Area legislators Rep. Walt McNutt and Sen. Don Steinbeisser support Fox's candidacy.

"I think they both feel I'm the best candidate that can make an impact on Montana," Fox said of McNutt and Steinbeisser. "I've known them for many years and I have respect for what they have done in public service."

Another area tie is that Sidney native Chuck Denowh is Fox's campaign manager.

Fox said the three primary reasons he's seeking the office are that Montana needs an attorney general who is proactive in preventing crime and protecting families; Montana needs an attorney general who is proactive in protecting our constitution and will stand up against the federal government; and Montana needs an attorney general who is proactive with the state land board and wants to develop the state's natural resources to help fund public schools.

He says he will promote a business-friendly atmosphere and promote legal reforms to help promote natural resources, including developing the Bakken Formation.

"I understand the benefits that can be utilized by exploring oil and gas," Fox said. "What better way to bring down fuel costs than exploring oil right here in Montana."

He added that legislators make laws but the attorney general has a platform where he can speak on issues.

editor@sidneyherald.com