Living costs dominate a debate between Montana’s Republican governor and Democratic challenger

Associated Press

Montana’s rising cost of living featured in a debate Wednesday between the state’s governor and his challenger in the upcoming election. While Democrat Ryan Busse sought to portray Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte as out of touch with people trying to afford housing, Gianforte pointed to the state’s strong economy in arguing for a second term in office. A congressman first elected in 2017 and reelected in 2018, Gianforte has overseen a balanced state budget and record-low unemployment. But Busse described Gianforte as out of touch with people struggling with high living costs, saying the Republican should be doing more to help them.