The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Association unanimously endorsed Governor Steve Bullock during its quarterly meeting in Billings.
Fort Belknap Tribal Chairman Mark Azure says the endorsement comes because of the Bullock Administration’s working relationship with the tribal governments.
“And we want to be recognized as a sovereign nation,” Azure says. “And I think governor Bullock gets that. My fear is the other folks don’t get that. I don’t think we here at the table can afford to see that other party fill those seats.”
Bullock says Montana is open for business on an off the reservations. He says this includes helping those on the reservation secure financing for their businesses.
“I’ve said that we don’t move Montana forward if we leave first Montanans behind or tear them down,” Bullock says. “And my opponent has had a fundamental difference in many respects. He has said things like, ‘well, if somebody is going to start a business they really out to go off reservation or that you all who build cultures and opportunities don’t celebrate a culture of success or lack a respect for private property rights.”
The Democrat told the crowd the Native American vote matters and elections have consequences.
Bullock faces a re-election challenge from Bozeman businessman Greg Gianforte on the November general election ballot.
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