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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Montana Republican Reps Endorse Gary Johnson Over Trump

Left: Daniel Zolnikov (R) HD 45, right: Nicholas Schwaderer (R) HD 14
Montana Legislature
Left: Daniel Zolnikov (R) HD 45, right: Nicholas Schwaderer (R) HD 14

Two Montana Republican state house members today endorsed the Libertarian Party’s candidate for President. Daniel Zolnikov from Billings and Nick Schwaderer from Superior say they’re endorsing Gary Johnson, the former governor of New Mexico, for president.

The move comes after Republicans officially nominated Donald Trump at their national convention last week.

Montana Republican party Chairman Jeff Essmann says Republicans backing third party candidates isn’t in America’s best interest.

"Montana Republican legislators and most Republicans realize that this election is about our country and what is in our country’s best interest. And what is in our country’s best interest is to not elect Hillary Clinton. Any vote for someone who is not Donald Trump is a vote for Hillary Clinton."

Representatives Zolnikov and Schwaderer say Gary Johnson and his running mate, former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld, are the best choice of candidates on the ballot this November.

This week Democrats are holding their national convention. Hillary Clinton is the presumptive nominee.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
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