Gianforte Nominated for Zinke's Seat, Valley County Represented

Montana Republicans have selected Greg Gianforte as their standard bearer once again, this time in a bid to win the sole U.S. Representative seat for Montana in the upcoming special election race. Gianforte won the nomination handily, Securing 150.5 votes in the first round of voting, while only requiring 123 to secure the nomination. Delegates from Valley County's Republican Central Committee were among those assembled in Helena, adding representational weight to the proceedings.

According to committee finance chair Michael Burns, "Valley County is represented for the first time in over a decade." He added, "Eastern Montana deserves to have its voice heard and we are feeling unified." Members of the committee present at the March 7 vote were Sarah Swanson (chair), state committeeman Jeff Pattison and Mick Reyling as proxy for state committeewoman Kim Enkerud.

Gianforte recently launched a failed bid for the Montana Governorship against Democratic incumbent Steve Bullock. Aside from that race, Gianforte is known as a tech entrpreneur.

Gianforte doubled down on President Trump's policy vision for America, saying, "We are going to bring our conservative values to return liberty and freedom to Montana and this country," adding, "We will make America great again."

Gianforte backed President Trump throughout his acceptance speech, saying, "We need to [...] protect our borders, not allow Montana cities to be sanctuary cities, strengthen our military and destroy ISIS, reign in out of control regulations, demand better management - and more state and local control of our public lands, and to repeal and replace Obama-care."

The special election was set by Governor Bullock for May 25. The governor has expressed concerns that a delay would have negative consequences for Montana in the current legislative session.