State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale announced on Monday morning that he would be seeking the Republican nomination to replace Greg Gianforte in the U.S. House of representatives, who in turn announced his own run for Governor of Montana on Friday.

Reached by phone just after his announcement, Rosendale explained why he was leaving the office in which he has had so much success.

“I am really looking to give back to my community and my commitment has never been stronger,” said Rosendale, who lost a bruising bid for the U.S. Senate in 2016 against incumbent Jon Tester. “I look at Washington, D.C. and we see that they’re not accomplishing much. They’re trying to obstruct the President, and at that same time, I have been back here in Montana rolling up my sleeves and getting work done to deliver more affordable healthcare and better healthcare access for the people of Montana. I’ve reduced the cost of prescription drugs and to help protect access to public lands.”

Rosendale committed to meeting with individuals and community groups to hear first hand about their concerns as he runs for the U.S. House.

“As everyone knows, we’re facing some really big problems and I do not have a monopoly on all of the answers, and I am willing to sit down with anyone who is serious about resolving these difficult issues,” he said. “While in the State Auditor’s office, I have reduced costs and saved money for the taxpayers of Montana. We did what everyone promised but few delivered while restoring fiscal discipline, reducing spending and total staffing in my agency. I believe that is smart government and that’s what people want. It’s certainly what Republicans expect and that is exactly what this Republican delivers.”

Rosendale reiterated his desire to meet with Montanans in all walks of life to share his vision of the role of a U.S. Congressman.

Also declaring a run for the U.S. House on Saturday was Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton.

Democrat Kathleen Williams is making her second run at the House Seat now being vacated by Greg Gianforte.

The Club for Growth that spent nearly $5 million on Rosendale’s failed Senate campaign has declared their support for his run for the U.S. House.

‘Club for Growth PAC endorses Montana Auditor Matt Rosendale, who earlier this morning announced his campaign for the United States House of Representatives. In the 2018 election cycle, Club for Growth Action and CFG Action Montana spent over $4.7 million on Rosendale’s race for the United States Senate and Club for Growth members bundledover $540,000 directly to Rosendale’s campaign.

“Matt Rosendale is precisely the type of leader needed in Washington, DC. Judging by his experience as the former Republican Majority Leader in the State Senate, he has the guts to take on the establishment and buck the status quo,” said David McIntosh, President Club for Growth PAC. “Rosendale is the only candidate that will truly support President Trump’s efforts to drain the Washington Swamp, and fight for economic freedom and liberty,” McIntosh added.’

 

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