Champ Edmunds exits auditor’s race

HELENA — Former state Rep. Champ Edmunds of Missoula has announced he is ending his campaign for state auditor and is endorsing fellow Republican Matt Rosendale from Glendive.

Rosendale, who is the Senate majority leader, announced his plans to run for the office on Friday.

Democrat Jesse Laslovich is also seeking the office.

Lee Newspapers of Montana reports Laslovich has raised more than $138,000 and spent just under $15,000, leaving nearly $124,000 in the bank. Laslovich has worked for the past five years as chief counsel for current Auditor Monica Lindeen. Term limits prohibit her from seeking re-election.