Failed Gubernatorial Candidate Gianforte Would Fail Everyday Montanans in the Governor’s Office

Helena, Mont. — Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Monica Lindeen today issued the following statement after Rep. Greg Gianforte formally announced his run for the Montana gubernatorial race:

“Greg Gianforte is asking Montanans to vote for an anti-health care, anti-public access, anti-privacy, failed candidate,” Lindeen said. “Over the last two years, Montanans have watched Gianforte vote repeatedly against affordable health care, only to see him turn around and vote for tax breaks for the wealthiest like himself. Gianforte told Montanans he was going to Washington, D.C. to clean up the swamp. Instead, he’s now campaigning to bring the swamp back to Big Sky Country. Montanans do not want someone in the governor’s office who will protect his own wealth over the wellbeing of everyday Montanans.”

Background:

Just last month, Gianforte voted against two separate bills in two weeks that would protect Montanans who have pre-existing conditions, including a bill package to limit the sale of “junk insurance” plans that can deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. He also expressed support for the Graham-Cassidy health proposal, which would kick Montanans off their health insurance.

Gianforte fought to block public access to the East Gallatin River. Last year, he broke with pro-privacy members of his own party and voted to expand a government surveillance program.

He donated $800,000 to U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy – almost 15 times more money than the average Montana family makes in a year — and donated millions of dollars to his own failed gubernatorial campaign. In the House of Representatives, he voted for tax breaks for millionaires like himself.

Additionally, Gianforte urged patience during the ongoing trade war that is hurting Montana farmers, cost the average American household more than $400 dollars in 2018 and is projected to cost twice that this year.