A self-employed mason and ironworker with a love for philosophy and the great outdoors is challenging the establishment as the Libertarian candidate for House District 3.

As a Libertarian, youre free to think how you want, Chris Colvin said, conceding that he doesnt come across as a typical Libertarian. While Republicans and Democrats fight over guns, abortion and religion, the Libertarians focus on the real issue money. If you want to know whats going on, follow the money.

Colvin graduated from Haverford College with a bachelors in philosophy and religion in 1970. He moved to Columbia Falls in 1976 and worked for a short time at the Anaconda Aluminum Co. smelter rebuilding pots before starting his own masonry business. He owned a granite countertop business in the former movie theater in Martin City for several years.

Forty years self-employed, never rich, he said. I know what its like to be poor, injured, sick near death with no insurance. I cut firewood, eat wild, fight winter. I know the life and understand the needs of House District 3.

Colvin ran for the legislature as a Democrat in 1976 while living in Boulder. Growing up in New York state, his parents were Roosevelt Democrats his father a psychologist, his mother a history teacher. But hes a Libertarian now.

I believe today the same big money interests own and corrupt both the Democratic and Republican parties, Colvin said. In my view, its impossible to be free if you suffer from poverty, ignorance and disease, so the Libertarian goal should be to promote economic justice jobs, public education and public health.

Colvin supports gun ownership rights.

I own more than 60 guns, belong to three gun clubs, have been shooting Winter League for 15 years, was top gun on the AA winning team twice, reload six shotgun gauges and more than 15 metallic calibers, have more than 25 books in my gun library, took the carry course, won a rendezvous shoot and several sporting clays shoots, have more than 30 sets of deer and elk antlers, a bear rug, a goat mount and an antelope mount, and raise and hunt bird dogs, he said.

Colvin believes education should be the No. 1 priority for the legislature more important than fish and game.

Government should stay in the education business, he said. If locals completely controlled the schools, we wouldnt learn the things we need to know. Locals have knee-jerk responses to change.

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Libertarian says follow the money