Montana Governor Steve Bullock (D-MT) made it official Monday morning, announcing on the last day to file for candidacy that he will try his hand at a bid for the Senate.
I've always fought for the people of Montana. Together, we expanded health care, protected public lands, banned dark money in politics & more. Now I'm taking that fight to the US Senate. Let’s make Washington work more like Montana. Join us: https://t.co/vyPPioB0tJ #MTSen #MTpol pic.twitter.com/6VuCKsNTeW
— Steve Bullock (@stevebullockmt) March 9, 2020
Gov. Bullock’s announcement is unsurprising, as rumors of a potential run were floated last week, and both former President Obama and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are said to have encouraged Bullock to challenge Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT).
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), defending Leader McConnell’s GOP Senate majority, came out swinging against Gov. Bullock, highlighting his failed presidential bid and leftward shift on important issues:
“Steve Bullock ran his administration like a frat house and acquiesced to the far left during his comical presidential run, not exactly the strongest way to launch a Senate campaign...Bullock supported impeaching President Trump, wants to ban guns, and ignore illegal immigration. One can see why, given their visceral disdain for the Montana way of life, Washington Democrats rolled out the red carpet for Bullock. Meanwhile, Steve Daines always puts Montana first, is a proven leader and a strong ally for President Trump,” the NRSC said in a release.
Establishment Democrats pushed Gov. Bullock to challenge Sen. Daines, after months of Bullock resisting, in hopes of flipping the Senate in November:
After repeatedly claiming he would never run for #MTSen, Steve Bullock owes voters answers: Did Chuck Schumer force him to run, or was he lying this entire time? pic.twitter.com/Rl1evQeCsf
— America Rising (@AmericaRising) March 9, 2020