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Montana Governor Touts Rural Roots While Campaigning in Burlington

Jason Parrott
/
TSPR
Gov. Steve Bullock (D-MT) meets with voters after a campaign stop in downtown Burlington Thursday afternoon

Democratic Governor Steve Bullock of Montana touted his rural roots and executive experience during a campaign stop at the Beancounter Coffeehouse & Drinkery in downtown Burlington. Bullock is one of about two-dozen Democrats seeking the party's nomination for U.S. President.

Bullock told the crowd of about 40 people that lies told and mistakes made by President Donald Trump are dividing the country.

“No wonder folks are anxious, are angry, are frustrated,” said Bullock.

Bullock said he has the resume to defeat Donald Trump because Bullock was elected -- as a Democrat -- in 2016 even though Trump won Montana by roughly 20 percentage points. And Bullock said split government in his state has not prevented lawmakers from working together on issues such as expanding health care, investing in K-12 education, and getting “dark money” out of Montana.

“Government can work even when it’s divided,” said Bullock. “Party politics is important, people’s lives are more important.”

Credit The Burlington Beacon
Gov. Steve Bullock (D-MT) spoke Thursday afternoon to voters during a stop in downtown Burlington.

Bullock said if elected President, he would push his agenda by getting out in front of the people and selling them on his ideas and goals. He said getting people on board will make it easier for federal lawmakers to follow suit.

“We are at our best when all voices are heard,” said Bullock. “I work to build relationships with Republicans, but I cannot count on those relationships alone. So I go out to the people and push for it.”

Bullock told reporters after his campaign stop that he is excited for the opportunity to share his views with a national audience during the upcoming Democratic Party debate in Detroit. Bullock did not qualify to be among the 20 participants during the first debate last month in Miami but has been added to the field this time around.

“One of the ways I am preparing is hearing from real voters asking real questions about what their concerns are,” said Bullock. “I am excited to be on the debate stage because I think I offer something that is unique from everyone else in that field. I plan on being who I am.”

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.