MT-AL: Quist Fundraising

​The Montana at-large special election was thought to be a rather quiet affair, with Republican businessman Greg Gianforte winning a comfortable victory on May 25th over folk singer Rob Quist.  While a Gianforte win may well be the final result, the campaign will be more competitive than many first thought.  The Democratic nominee is showing substantial fundraising prowess.  The musician candidate announced he has already raised $754,000 for the special election, meaning that he is guaranteed to run a significant campaign. 
 
Armed with endorsements from key Montana labor unions and liberal interest groups, Quist is taking conservative positions on the 2nd Amendment and tax reform, meaning that the race is becoming considerably more interesting.  Mr. Gianforte has not yet indicated how much he has raised for the coming special election, but spent over $5.5 million of his own money in his close November race for Governor.

--Jim Ellis