KPAX

Posted: Feb 2, 2010 7:15 PM
Updated: May 11, 2010 12:30 PM

Another Democrat will challenge Denny Rehberg for a position in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tyler Gernant, 27, announced his candidacy Tuesday night at the Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula.

Gernant said he wants to restore responsibility to Washington and improve the national budget deficit. He hopes his age will be an advantage in the race.

"I don't think there's any doubt that Washington could use some new ideas," Gernant said. "I think having a young, fresh face - someone's who's able to come in and kind of shake things up really helps the process, and I've seen that in a lot of different aspects of my life.

"Obviously the disadvantage is that I don't have as much grey in my hair, but I think I can overcome those."

Gernant said his biggest challenge is name recognition, and he plans to campaign in person as much as possible.

He will also face Democrat Dennis McDonald who announced his candidacy last month.

Gernant was born in Missoula, received his degree from Georgetown University and graduated from the University of Montana law school.