Robinson says joining Gianforte ticket came as a surprise

Lesley Robinson and her husband Jim were at their home in Zortman one night in February watching a movie, when they received a call that would become a turning point in her political life.

Greg Gianforte, a high-tech businessman for Bozeman, who was then the leading Republican candidate for governor, was on the other end.

Gianforte, who had officially launched his campaign a month earlier, said he was looking for a running mate.

"And I said 'are you asking me for ideas?' He said, 'No, I am asking you if you would consider it," Robinson said during an interview Thursday.

She said she had met Gi...