Montana Democrats’ Statement on “Out-of-State, Out-of-Touch” Troy Downing Running for Montana State Auditor

Helena, Mont. — Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Monica Lindeen today released the following statement after out-of-state businessman Troy Downing announced he is running to be Montana’s insurance commissioner:

“Montanans have not forgotten that Troy Downing lied about living in our state so he could illegally get in-state hunting and fishing licenses,” Lindeen said. “Another wealthy, out-of-state, out-of-touch repeat candidate is certainly not going to be focused on protecting Montanans’ health care. Montanans deserve a state auditor who will fight for people with preexisting conditions, work to lower the cost of prescription drugs and work to keep health care affordable for Montana families who are working hard each and every day.”

Background:

Last summer, Downing pleaded guilty and was fined and sentenced for illegally obtaining in-state hunting and fishing licenses, while unlawfully claiming to be a Montana resident. Records from the case described Downing’s time in Montana as “seasonal at best.”

Downing lost his first run for office in a primary for the U.S. Senate last year.