GREAT FALLS — The latest round of fundraising for the Montana Attorney General’s race shows both Republican Austin Knudsen and Democrat Raph Graybill have raised more campaign dollars than any prior Attorney General candidates in Montana.
As of October 14th, Knudsen raised around $402,000 for his campaign, around $31,000 of which came from political action committees, or PACS. He's also loaned his campaign $3,500 and spent another $5,000 of his own money. The rest came from individuals.
The Roosevelt County Attorney told MTN News Thursday he's pleased with the support he's seen so far. "We've gotten great cross Montana support and I think that's indicative of where Montanans are at with this race," he said.
Democrat Raph Graybill has raised just over $700,000 as of October 14th. Around $25,000 of that comes from PACS, while the rest is from individuals. He's spent around $2,200 of his own money on the race as well.
Graybill said he's proud to have grassroots efforts from all political parties that have contributed to record fundraising. “Our campaign has raised twice the record in Montana for an AG race and that's entirely a reflection of how real individual donors support our race,” he said.
Graybill hopes to hammer home one message to voters- which is the looming U.S. Supreme Court hearing focused on the Affordable Care Act and how Montana’s next Attorney General can take an active role to ensure its future. “I will wake up every single morning and fight to stop that lawsuit,” he said. “It's wrong that we give insurance companies power over our private medical decisions and if there's one thing you need to know about this race- is that it comes down to healthcare and the healthcare of your family.”
Knudsen is emphasizing other priorities to voters days before the election. “We’re looking forward to getting into the Attorney General’s office and doing some great work for law enforcement in Montana- that’s the big message I have,” he said. “I’m the law enforcement candidate, we’ve got some serious crime problems and I’m very serious about them and if you’re looking for a law and order candidate, I’m the guy.”
