GOP Governor Candidates Seek Support of Far Right

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The race to court the Republican Party's most conservative voters has prompted two candidates for governor to sign a lengthy "constitutional" pledge.

It binds the candidates to pursue conservative policies like privatizing state entitlement programs and pensions — or resigning if they don't.

Former Washington D.C. consultant Neil Livingstone gained the endorsement of an outspoken conservative leader by signing the "Montana Constitutional Governance Pledge." Former state Sen. Corey Stapleton of Billings also signed it.

It's the latest escalation in a pitched primary battle featuring a number of candidates who proudly tout conservative credentials as they seek to sway GOP voters increasingly interested in finding "constitutional" leaders.

It was not signed by perceived front-runner Rick Hill, or tea party advocate Ken Miller.

Both say their track records already reflect such principles.