Gianforte says Indian reservations hinder free markets

HELENA — The way for Montana's American Indian reservations to escape poverty is through the free market, but the shortcomings of tribal governments are preventing businesses from flourishing, Republican candidate for governor Greg Gianforte said in a campaign stop last month.

Gianforte made his remarks on July 21 in Huntley in response to an audience member's question about how to fix the economic, crime and drug problems on the state's seven reservations.

The Huntley event was recorded by a volunteer for the Montana Democratic Party, which released it to The Associated Press and other news organizations on Thursday. Event organizer Becky Robison confirmed that Gianforte made the remarks in the audio recording.

The Bozeman businessman began by saying that one of the main issues is that there are few opportunities on the reservations.

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