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ANACONDA, Mont. (AP) Philipsburg businessman Jim Jenner has been selected to fill a legislative seat vacated by former state Rep. Dan Villa.

Commissioners from Anaconda-Deer Lodge and Granite counties chose Jenner from a field of three finalists on Saturday.

Villa, a Democrat from Anaconda, resigned from his seat after he was selected in June to be Gov. Brian Schweitzer's education policy adviser.

Jenner was selected from among three Democrats that made the final field. Former state legislator William "Red" Menahan and Kathy Keenan-Swanson were also vying for the position.

Jenner owns a video production company called Paccom Films. He says he will push for state support for small communities.

Information from: The Montana Standard, http://www.mtstandard.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-30-09 1517CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list