Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke was sworn into office as Interior secretary soon after Senate confirmation by a 68-31 vote. In a statement, Zinke said, “I shall faithfully uphold Teddy Roosevelt’s belief that our treasured public lands are ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people’ and will work tirelessly to ensure our public lands are managed and preserved in a way that benefits all Americans for generations to come.
“This means responsible natural resource development, increased access for recreation and sportsmen, and conservation that makes the land more valuable for our children’s children. Importantly, our sovereign Indian Nations and territories must have the respect and freedom they deserve.” Zinke, the first Montanan to become a cabinet secretary, has broken with other GOP lawmakers by opposing sale or transfer of federal land to states or private ownership.
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock set a May 25 special election to complete Zinke’s two-year term in the House, said the Billings Gazette. “With no time for a primary election, Montana’s political parties will gather their county committee people and select a House candidate from a large sample of nominee,” said the Gazette. Democrats are to meet on Sunday in Helena to select a nominee for the statewide seat. There are eight candidates for the Democratic nomination. Seven Republicans have paid their party’s $1,750 filing fee to run for the House. A date for the GOP nominating session was not set.
On the Senate confirmation vote, 51 Republicans and 17 Democrats voted in favor and 31 Democrats were opposed.