John Ahern
Party: Republican
Age: 69
Personal: Married to Nancy for 41 years, three grown children
Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, University of Denver; 1-1/2 years at Gonzaga University Law School
Professional: Owner of Janco Office Supplies Co. for 20 years; previously a sales manager at an office supply company
Political: Served as the 6th district's representative in the House since 2000. Member of the finance, criminal justice and corrections, and local government committees
Key issues: Tort reform, eliminating the barriers that are forcing businesses to leave the state; more jail time and lifetime probation for sex offenders; crack down on the methamphetamine problem - "three strikes you're out" for meth manufacturers
Money raised/spent: $20,289 (6-30 PDC)
Quote: "My accomplishments include bringing a veterans' home here and I was able to make sure the Pledge of Allegiance is recited every day in the Legislature. ... I'm very conservative. I believe in keeping traditional values."
Key influence: his father, Edward Vincent Ahern, who was on the Montana state legislature
Favorite book: “The Longest Day” by Stephen Ambrose
First priority if elected: Tort reform: "We need to put a crimp on how much attorneys can collect and how much in secondary damages can be awarded."
