Helena man files for governor after horse business fails

HELENA (AP) — A Helena man has filed to run for Montana governor in 2016.

Casey Filler says he entered the race Monday after his horse-riding business went under this year.

The 49-year-old Filler says he wants to aid small businesses and downsize the "free gravy train" of social welfare programs in Montana.

He grew up on ranches in Ennis and Harden. He lived in Hawaii for 12 years while working for the U.S. Coast Guard and moved to Helena in 1999.

Filler married his wife, Ayrne, in 2012 and is stepfather to an 8-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl.

He is making his first attempt at public office and is not affiliated with a political party.