Why Montana Governor Gianforte Refuses to Debate Candidate Busse

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On a recent visit to the KGVO studio, Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse complained that Republican incumbent Governor Greg Gianforte refused to debate him.

On Wednesday’s Talk Back program, Gianforte explained why.

Gianforte stopped by to answer questions from KGVO listeners and responded to a listener who directly asked him about a debate with Busse. Gianforte said he wants a debate.

Gianforte Explains Why He Won't Debate Ryan Busse

“I hope I have a chance to debate because I think it's the right thing for Montanans to hear the issues directly from the candidates,” began Gianforte. “But for a debate, you need a serious candidate on the other side, and unfortunately, this individual has been dishonest with the people of Montana. He has not been serious.”

Gianforte specifically explained why not.

“In particular, he has not released his tax returns,” he said. “I've released 17 years of my personal tax returns, and all candidates for governor have done this. Brian Schweitzer did, Steve Bullock did, and Mike Cooney did. And so the question is, what is he hiding from the people of Montana? I believe in transparency and honesty. That's why I released 17 years of my personal tax returns.”

Gianforte Was Proud of the State's Low Unemployment Rate

Gianforte also touted his success with the state’s low unemployment rate.

“You have to have a plan coming in,” he said. “This is why, when I first ran I wrote the Montana Comeback Plan, which was really a business plan for the state to lower taxes, and to reduce regulation, and it's worked. We've now had 37 consecutive months of unemployment at 3.4 percent or lower, well below the national average. We have more people working in Montana than ever before. We have businesses that are relocating here because of the business climate and that's helping to create jobs.”

READ MORE: Key Goals Outlined by Governor to Reduce Montana Property Taxes

Gianforte Also Discussed the Property Tax Issue Facing the Legislature

Gianforte also addressed the issue of property taxes, and he reminded the listeners about the real purpose of property taxes.

“People know this, but 100 percent of property taxes go to fund local government,” he said. “None of it comes to the state, so some of the other measures focus on reigning in spending at a local level, so property taxes don't have to keep going up. Over the last 21 years, inflation has averaged 2.4 percent per year, and local spending growth has averaged 6 percent per year. If you want to control property taxes, you’ve got to control local spending.”

Listen to Gianforte's entire interview below: