Constitutional Carry Emerges As Issue In MT Governor’s Race

The state of Montana already allows for legal gun owners to carry concealed without a license outside of city and town limits across the state, but full-scale permitless carry has become a hot-button issue in the waning days of the gubernatorial campaign.

The two candidates squaring off to become the state’s next governor have very different views on the issue, with Republican Greg Gianforte backing the idea while Democrat Mike Cooney is opposed. The two candidates met for a televised debate this week, and both of them made their positions clear to voters.

Cooney said he would not support legislation that allows for concealed carry without a permit, saying it would let people carry guns in banks and schools. He said the largest union for law enforcement doesn’t support such a bill either.