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HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Former Secretary of State Brad Johnson was locked in a tight Republican primary for a Public Service Commission seat despite suspending his campaign when he was charged with drunk driving.

Johnson's blood-alcohol level registered three times the legal limit for driving when he was stopped near Helena late last month.

He suspended his campaign and made plans to enter a monthlong rehab program.

Johnson has said he still wants to serve the voters and hopes they can look past the mistake.

Late Tuesday, he was locked in a 50-50 tie with Helena attorney Bill Gallagher for the District 5 seat on the PSC.

Johnson was Montana's secretary of state from 2005 to 2008 before losing his 2008 re-election bid.

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