Democrat Running for Governor Dies

Chet Blaylock, the Democratic candidate for governor, died apparently after suffering a heart attack while driving to a debate against Republican Gov. Marc Racicot. Blaylock, who had a history of heart trouble and cancer, pulled over in Deer Lodge and called for an ambulance. He died at a county hospital while waiting for a helicopter to fly him the 75 miles to Missoula, where St. Patrick Hospital has an advanced cardiology unit. Blaylock’s campaign said he had been suffering pains before he died. Blaylock, 71, was a former state senator who faced an uphill battle in his effort to unseat Racicot, an enormously popular governor seeking a second term. Polls consistently found Blaylock trailing sharply.