January 24, 2019 - 9:45 AM
HELENA, Mont. - The Latest on the race for Montana governor (all times local):
10:45 a.m.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox says it's the right time for a conservative Republican to take over as governor — and that he's that candidate.
The two-term attorney general touted his conservative credentials in an interview with The Associated Press Thursday as he announced his candidacy for the open seat in 2020.
Fox has previously been criticized by some right-wing Republicans as being too moderate. Fox says conservatism is measured by results and not who can shout the loudest with a camera or a microphone in their face.
He says his record as attorney general establishes his conservative bona fides.
Secretary of State Corey Stapleton is the only other statewide official running for the GOP nomination so far. More candidates are expected to emerge with the primary 17 months away.
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8:30 a.m.
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox has announced he is running for governor in 2020.
Fox on Thursday became the second major candidate to announce his bid for the Republican nomination. Secretary of State Corey Stapleton made his plans public on Jan. 2.
Fox was elected attorney general in 2012 and re-elected in 2016.
In that role he has enhanced protections for survivors of violent crime, fought human trafficking, increased penalties for sexual predators and domestic abusers and joined lawsuits to protect the constitutional right to bear arms.
Term limits prevent Gov. Steve Bullock from seeking re-election. Bullock moved into the governor's chair in 2013 after four years as attorney general.
Montana last elected a Republican governor in 2000.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019