Former firearms exec blasts unpopular governor for ‘harebrained excuses’
Campaign Manager also has message for news reporters, editors and producers
Contact: [email protected]
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Former firearms executive and candidate for governor Ryan Busse today slammed Greg Gianforte after the unpopular governor signaled that he is too scared to debate Busse before Election Day.
Busse today released the following statement in response to a memo Gianforte sent to select members of the media, suggesting Gianforte doesn’t have the courage to participate in a debate:
“Governor Gianforte, you think having a debate is about me? No, a real public servant knows debates are for the people. If you ever decide to take your job seriously, you’ll hear—loudly—that Montana’s Republicans, Independents and Democrats are furious over your disastrous property tax hike, which you alone are to blame for. They want to know why you continue to bear false witness by blaming your own tax hike on county commissioners and city leaders. Montanans want to know why your own property taxes went down last year, while you stuck virtually every one of your neighbors with higher taxes, then refused to explain why. They’re outraged over your weird war on public access to our public lands and wildlife. And they want answers as to why you believe in taking freedom, privacy and rights away from for women and girls.
Governor, for someone who’s infamously known for assaulting another man, then lying to police about it, we find it rich that you’re suddenly offended by tough language and accountability. Not debating me is proof you’re in political hot water, and you know it. Your harebrained excuses are whiney, wimpy, and almost as embarrassing as your failure as governor.
As long as we’re both guaranteed a fair forum, I’ll meet you at any time and place. You’ve got explaining to do for the people of this great state.”
In a clear sign of momentum, Busse outraised Gianforte by more than $75,000 during the latest public reporting period. Political scientist Paul Pope, of Montana State University-Billings, called Gianforte “incredibly vulnerable” and said the unpopular governor is “losing people” over the governor’s disastrous residential property tax increase.
Busse has also broken fundraising records and has held more than 130 well-attended, publicly advised events in every corner of Montana since announcing his candidacy on September 14, 2023. Unlike previous governors, Gianforte does not host public meetings or publicly advise his schedule, and he appears only on “friendly” radio programs.
Busse and his lieutenant governor running mate Raph Graybill have released their own plan to cut property taxes, and have outlined serious, concrete ideas for the future of Montana.
Gianforte, when asked in April about why his residential property taxes went down in 2023 while his neighbors faced higher taxes, refused to provide an explanation.
Busse for Montana Campaign Manager Aaron Murphy also released the following message for news reporters, editors and producers:
Ryan Busse looks forward to debating Governor Greg Gianforte and/or Libertarian candidate Kaiser Leib with a guarantee of a fair, structured format, and will adjust his schedule to accommodate Governor Gianforte’s. But if Gianforte refuses to debate at all, we urge you to consider the seriousness of a sitting governor who refuses to defend his own record as he seeks reelection. We believe the Governor should be held accountable for such a consequential and unprecedented decision. If Gianforte is not held to account for dodging a legitimate debate, Montanans may never see a political debate again. Gianforte’s refusal to participate should also not result in Montana voters being denied an opportunity to hear from willing candidates who have the courage to answer tough questions from the press and from voters. In lieu of a debate, we encourage news organizations to provide forums where Montana voters can hear directly from willing and courageous candidates.
QUICK FACTS:
- Pronunciation: Ryan BUSS’-ee
- Home: Kalispell, Mont.
- Office Sought: Governor of Montana
- Affiliation: Democrat
- Website: busseformontana.com
- X (Twitter): @ryandbusse
- DOB: 2/23/70 (53)
- Occupation: Writer, Consultant, Firearms Expert and Former Executive (Vice President of Sales, Kimber America: 1995-2020)
- Family: Married to Sara for 24 years; two sons: Lander (18) and Badge (15)
- Alma Mater: Bethany College (Kansas)
- Chevy Odometer: 280,000 miles
- Hunting Dogs: Aldo and Teddy
- Bio: Ryan Busse is an author and former firearms executive who helped build the gun company Kimber from Kalispell between 1995 and 2020. Over his 25-year career Busse directed the sales of nearly three million Kimber firearms. His memoir, Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America, was published by PublicAffairs (Hachette) in 2021. Busse was born near the Kansas cattle ranch homesteaded by his great-grandfather. He is an avid hunter, angler and champion of public lands, and has held leadership positions with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Montana Conservation Voters. Busse and his wife Sara live in Kalispell and have two teenage sons.