John Abarr, Montana Candidate With KKK Ties, Running For Congress: HELENA, Mont. — A former organizer for the Ku Klux Klan says he is running as a Republican for Montana's representative in the U.S. House.
John Abarr says he believes he will fare better than people might expect because of a backlash against President Barack Obama.
The 42-year-old tried to run for the state Legislature in 2002 but lost in a GOP primary after Republicans actively worked against his candidacy.
Abarr works nights as an auditor at Great Falls motel. He says he no longer organizes for the KKK but is still on its mailing list.
Leading state Republicans are backing Bozeman businessman Steve Daines in 2012. Party leaders believe he'll be able to win the House seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, who is running for U.S. Senate.
