Wood Products Group Says it Did Not Endorse Gianforte

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — An apparent misunderstanding is prompting Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte to walk back a claim that he has the endorsement of the Montana Wood Products Association.

Association president Paul McKenzie says both Gianforte's and Gov. Steve Bullock's campaigns have sought an endorsement from his group, but it has not chosen a side.

On at least two occasions, Gianforte had publicly mentioned being endorsed by the Montana Wood Products Association.

McKenzie says the confusion stems from a September email telling Gianforte's campaign the Republican would soon receive a response regarding an endorsement. McKenzie says there was no endorsement, and the word should not have been used in the message.

McKenzie says he sought to clarify the association's position after Democrats raised the issue after hearing Gianforte claim the group's endorsement.