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Montana State Senator Jeff Essmann (R-Billings) issued a statement on Monday saying that he will make a "major announcement" on Tuesday, October 4, during a telephone town hall meeting.

He is inviting members of the public to phone in between 7 and 8 pm.

It has been widely speculated Essmann will join the race to become Montana's next Governor.

All Montanans are invited to call in by dialing (888) 886-6603 extension 17284. After the announcement he will take questions from the public.

Incumbent Brian Schweitzer cannot run for a third term as Montana's governor because of term limits.

Here is the current list of people who have formally filed to run for the Governor's seat in the 2012 election:

Steve Bullock (Democrat)
Larry Jent (Democrat)

Robert Coate (Independent)

Ronald Lassle (No Party)

Ron Vandevender (Libertarian)

Rick Hill (Republican)
Neil Livingstone (Republican)
Ken Miller (Republican)
James O'Hara (Republican)
Corey Stapleton (Republican)
Drew Turiano (Republican)
Thomas Winkler (Republican)

In addition, Robert Fanning announced on Monday that he is running as a Republican, but the Commissioner of Political Practices List does not yet include his name.