Montanans went to the polls Thursday, May 25, and elected Republican Greg Gianforte to the U.S. House. Statewide, Gianforte pulled in 50 percent of the vote, compared to 44 percent by Democrat Rob Quist and six percent by Libertarian Mark Wicks.
Just over 54 percent of the state’s 700,428 registered voters cast ballots in the special federal election. In Jefferson County Gianforte fared better than statewide, taking 57 percent to Quist’s 38. Of the 5282 votes cast, more than 3000 were absentee voted before an election eve incident. The election gained national attention when Gianforte tussled with a reporter.
The reporter, following the campaign for the British newspaper The Globe, said Gianforte body-slammed him and broke his glasses when he tried to ask a question about the candidate’s stance on the proposed health care bill.
In a statement issued shortly afterward, Gianforte’s campaign blamed the reporter, but a Fox News crew that witnessed the incident disputed the candidate’s description of the event, saying the reporter was acting professionally and did not act aggressively as the campaign claimed.
Instead, Gianforte grabbed the reporter with both hands, threw him to the ground and punched him, said the witnesses.
An audio recording of the confrontation appeared to uphold that. Gianforte was cited for misdemeanor assault after an investigation by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. He was not arrested and must make a court appearance before June 7.
Following his election win, Gianforte apologized for his behavior. “Last night I learned a lesson. When you make a mistake, you have to own up to it. That’s the Montana way,” said the new Congressman. “Last night I did make a mistake. I took an action that I cannot take back. I am not proud of what happened.I should not have responded the way that I did. “And for that I am sorry. “I should not have treated the reporter that way. I am sorry Mr. Ben Jacobs… I want to apologize to the FOX News team, and I am sorry to each of you for my actions. “That is not the person I am or the leader I will be for Montana. “Rest assured – our work is just beginning – but it does begin with me taking responsibility for my own actions.”
Gianforte’s statement did not revise his earlier statement that the reporter provoked the attack, nor did it explain the conflicting details between his earlier statement and the statements of witnesses.
Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Nancy Keenan issued a statement that read, “The people of Montana deserve to finally have representation in the U.S. House. However, they should not have to be represented by a man who is currently facing an assault charge for body slamming another person. Greg Gianforte should not be sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives while his assault case is still pending in court.”
The incident prompted nationwide debate over the antagonism demonstrated by politicians toward the press.
Democratic Sen. Jon Tester said, “This is in the hands of law enforcement. But part of the job representing the people of Montana is answering basic questions on important topics, topics such as how a dangerous healthcare plan could impact the very people you are trying to represent. It’s part of the job.”
Montana Governor Steve Bullock, also a Democrat, said, “It is unsettling on many levels that Greg Gianforte physically assaulted a journalist and then lied, refusing to take responsibility for his actions. Yesterday’s events serve as another wake-up call to all Montanans and Americans that we must restore civility in politics and governing and demand more from people who hold the public’s trust.” Speaking on election day, he added, “One thing is clear: no matter what happens today, the actions of Gianforte do not reflect the values of Montana or its people.”
