Rick Hill

Richard Allan Hill is a former American politician and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative for Montana's at-large congressional district from 1997 to 2001. A member of the Republican Party, Hill's political career included two terms in the House of Representatives, during which he focused on various legislative initiatives and served on the Committee on Natural Resources. In addition to his congressional service, Hill was the Republican nominee for Governor of Montana in 2012.

Early life and career

Rick Hill was born on December 30, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He was the youngest of four children in his family and spent his early years living in a one-room apartment located behind a tire repair shop. At the age of four, Hill contracted polio, which resulted in paralysis. Despite this early health challenge, he pursued his education diligently. He graduated from Aitkin High School in Aitkin, Minnesota, in 1964 and went on to earn a degree from Saint Cloud State University in 1968. Later in his career, Hill furthered his education by obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from Concord Law School in Los Angeles, California, in 2005.

Before entering politics, Hill established a career in business, owning a surety bonding company. His involvement in the political landscape began at the local level, where he served as a Republican precinct committeeman and state committeeman for Lewis and Clark County, Montana. Hill also contributed to the Montana Science and Technology Alliance as a board member and chaired the Montana State Worker’s Compensation Board from 1993 to 1996. His leadership in this role was notable, as he was appointed by Governor Marc Racicot to serve as chairman of the board of directors of the Montana State Fund, a position he held on a volunteer basis for three years. During his tenure, he addressed significant financial challenges, including a substantial debt that the organization faced at the time of his appointment.

House tenure

Rick Hill's political career at the federal level began when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montana's at-large congressional district in 1996. He successfully secured the Republican nomination in the primary election, garnering 44% of the vote. In the general election, Hill faced Democrat Bill Yellowtail, who had previously served as a Regional Administrator for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Hill won the election with 52% of the vote, marking the beginning of his congressional service.

During his first term, which began in 1997, Hill was active in legislative initiatives, sponsoring a total of 32 bills. Of these, four were passed into law, while 22 did not advance beyond committee. Hill's voting record indicated strong alignment with his party, as he voted with the Republican Party 91% of the time. He was re-elected in November 1998, defeating Democratic nominee Dusty Deschamps, a longtime Missoula County Attorney, with 53% of the vote.

Hill served a total of two terms in the House of Representatives. However, he chose not to seek re-election in 2000, citing vision problems that later were corrected. His decision opened the door for Republican Denny Rehberg, who subsequently won the election against Nancy Keenan, the then three-term State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House, Rick Hill was a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, where he participated in discussions and decisions related to environmental and resource management issues. His legislative focus included a variety of topics pertinent to Montana and the broader national landscape, reflecting the interests of his constituents.

Hill's legislative efforts were characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his state, particularly in areas related to natural resources, which are vital to Montana's economy and environment. His work on the committee allowed him to engage with issues such as land management, energy policy, and conservation efforts.

Following his congressional tenure, Hill continued to be involved in public service. In 2006, he was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service. His confirmation by the Senate took place on June 28, 2007, and he served in this capacity until his term expired on June 10, 2009.

In 2012, Hill sought to return to public office by running for Governor of Montana. He announced his candidacy in November 2010 and selected State Senator Jon Sonju as his running mate. However, in the general election held on November 6, 2012, Hill was defeated by Democratic candidate Steve Bullock, receiving 48.9% of the vote compared to Bullock's 47.3%.

Rick Hill's personal life has seen significant changes over the years. He filed for divorce from his first wife, Mary Hill, in May 1976, after an affair. The couple's divorce was finalized in 1980, with Hill gaining custody of their three children. He later married his second wife, Betti, in 1983.

Throughout his career, Hill has demonstrated a commitment to public service and engagement in political processes, reflecting the values and interests of his constituents in Montana. His experiences in both business and politics have shaped his approach to governance and legislative initiatives.