We’re high on third-party candidates and, once again, low on Michael Hilton in our weekly index of what’s up, down and in between …
HIGH
THIRD PARTY CANDIDATES – The way third-party candidates turned races for New Jersey governor and a congressional district in upstate New York on their heads, some portion of voters are seemingly frustrated with both major political parties.
WILDCATS and WOLFPACK – Columbia Falls and Glacier High School football teams are making extraordinary playoff runs.
FORD MOTOR CO. – The only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy court and not need a bailout posted strong third-quarter income and predicts a profitable 2011.
INNKEEPERS – Occupancy rates in Montana hotels, motels and inns were up 2.2 percent in September compared to the same period in 2008.
BETWEEN
STIMULUS – An Associated Press report said many jobs across the U.S. “created or saved” by the stimulus were vastly overstated, but Montana says the stimulus is responsible for more than 4,000 jobs, mostly in government and education. Nationally, the Obama Administration touts 650,000 jobs while Mitt Romney calls the program a “failure.” There’s probably no simple answer to the question, “Is the stimulus working?”
LOW
WHITEFISH – The state Supreme Court upheld a district court ruling that the city violated William and Theodora Walton’s right to equal protection by denying them a building exemption over the slope ordinance.
MICHAEL HILTON – In yet another appearance in this category, the con man who once sought to run the Hardin jail revealed he is so broke he can’t even pay his rent.
WOLF RESEARCH – After hunters killed two radio-collared wolves near Yellowstone, scientists studying the pack’s movement say their research is being hindered by the hunt.
STATE PENSIONS – Lawmakers are grappling with a shortfall of more than $2 billion, three decades from now due to major stock market losses.