(AP) — Democratic candidates for statewide office are getting an early jump on their 2016 election campaigns. Monica Lindeen, Montana's term-limited state auditor, hit the campaign trail this week in her bid to become the next secretary of state. Montana State University Billings political scientist Craig Wilson said Republicans need to get their campaigns in motion to stay competitive. Republican Champ Edmunds announced his candidacy for state auditor in early April, but he and his campaign couldn't be reached for comment.