(AP) — Former firearms executive turned gun industry critic Ryan Busse is seeking the 2024 Democratic nomination to challenge first-term Republican Governor Greg Gianforte in Montana. “To me this is a narrative about Greg Gianforte making this a playground for the wealthy and ignoring the people of Montana,” Busse said Wednesday. During a 25-year career in the firearms industry, Busse said, he directed the sale of almost 3 million guns from the manufacturer Kimber America. His remonstrations against America's gun culture could become a flashpoint in the campaign given the strong support for gun rights in Montana politics. Republican State Rep. Tanner Smith of Lakeside plans to challenge Gianforte in the primary.

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Persons: HELENA, Ryan Busse, Greg Gianforte, Montana . Busse, It's, Gianforte, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Busse, ” Busse, “, Kimber, Busse's, Kaitlin Price, ” Price, Mike Cooney, Tanner Smith, Smith, ___ Brown Organizations: Democratic, Associated Press, Revenue Department, Republican, Kimber America, National Rifle Association, Gov, Republican State, Lakeside Locations: Mont, Montana, Billings