Noted Montana Sheriff Loses Write-in Bid

Madison County Sheriff Johnny France, who gained national attention two years ago when he captured two “mountain men” kidnapers, lost his bid for reelection.

France and Deputy Lee Edmisten both conducted write-in campaigns against Deputy Richard Noorlander, who defeated France in the June Republican primary and was the only candidate on the ballot.

With all eight precincts reporting returns Tuesday night, Edmisten was declared the winner, with 1,197 votes. Noorlander was second with 833 and France got 725 votes.

France led the investigation into the kidnaping of Kari Swenson, a member of the U.S. biathlon team, in southwestern Montana in July, 1984. He apprehended her abductors, Don and Dan Nichols, in their mountain camp five months later.