Yes – the election was over a few weeks back, but there’s still one seat out.

HELENA – House Republicans chose an outspoken conservative to lead them next session, picking a man who promised to challenge the governor’s agenda and also criticized GOP policies and past leadership.

Bozeman Rep. Scott Sales started off with a bang Monday, saying Republican leaders had failed the caucus. He also said Republican legislative promises known as the “Handshake with Montana” are no longer valid because the GOP did not win majorities in both chambers.

Partisan leaders in both the House and Senate were chosen Monday even though control of the House, currently tipped 50-49-1 in favor of Democrats, will not be settled until Tuesday after a re-count in a Laurel race. Democrats control the Senate 26-24.