State Auditor Matt Rosendale is running for Montana's open U.S. House seat - the third time he has sought to become a member of the state's congressional delegation.
Rosendale's announcement Monday comes three days after Representative Greg Gianforte said he was seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Montana.
Secretary of State Corey Stapleton Saturday left the crowded governor's race to run for U.S. House.
As auditor and insurance commissioner, Rosendale says he’s worked to lower prescription drug costs. In 2017, Rosendale’s office asked state lawmakers to set up a high-risk pool to keep people with preexisting conditions covered if the Affordable Care Act was repealed.
Rosendale told Montana Public Radio last year that Montanans need health care options.
“I fought very hard to make sure that we continue to cover pre-existing conditions," he said. "However, we want to also make sure that people who don’t want to or don’t have the need for those additional benefits, that they’re able to go out and purchase a product that actually accommodates their budget.”
Governor Steve Bullock vetoed the proposal to establish a high risk pool, saying they may not keep health care options affordable for some Montanans.
Bullock added that Rosendale’s proposal gave the Auditor's office power to make far-reaching health insurance policy decisions without input from the legislature or Governor.
On other policy issues, Rosendale says he does not support the transfer of federal land to state control, and that he wants to cut red tape in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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