Dems take aim at Gianforte stance on schools

Montana Democrats didn’t wait for Greg Gianforte to show up in Havre Wednesday before they criticized him.

Gianforte has acknowledged he is considering a challenge to Montana Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock who is expected to seek a second term. But he has refused to discuss the potential campaign or his stands on other issues during his 30-stop tour of the state promoting telecommuter job.

“Today, billionaire Greg Gianforte is making his way to Conrad, Shelby, Chester, Havre and Chinook for campaign-style events on telecommuting, but his record against public schools should be the focus,” the Democrats said in a press release issued hours before the Havre meeting.

The party was critical of Gianforte’s stands on aid to private schools and many social issues. The press release questioned his financial support for the Montana Family Foundation which espouses conservative social values and aid to private schools.

Nancy Keenan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, said Gianforte had lots of questions to answer about his educational policies.

“But we know one thing for sure: he’s too risky for north-central Montana’s public schools,” Keenan said.

Gianforte, in talking with a reporter after the session he held at Montana State University-Northern Wednesday, said he had no comment because he hadn’t seen the Democrats’ statement.

“I’m here to talk about jobs for Havre and the Hi-Line,” he said.