Sen. Wanzenried Ends Plans To Seek Governorship

State Sen. Dave Wanzenried of Missoula is ending his efforts to seek the Democratic nomination for governor, saying he did not meet fundraising goals he set late last year.

Wanzenried filed paperwork in November to seek the office being vacated by two-term Gov. Brian Schweitzer, and set a fundraising goal of about $150,000 by the end of June. Wanzenried reported having just under $19,000 in the bank through the end of June, in campaign finance reports filed Tuesday.

On Thursday, Wanzenried said he was unable to generate the kind of investment from long-time supporters that he felt he needed so he was discontinuing his campaign.

Wanzenried says he has encouraged Attorney General Steve Bullock to run for governor.

State Sen. Larry Jent of Bozeman is also seeking the Democratic nomination.

Associated Press