Aaron Flint debuts Montana congressional campaign before Republican group

Aaron Flint, the Republican candidate handpicked by U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke to replace him, debuted his campaign before a local GOP group in Missoula on Friday.

"This fight, this seat, this race right here in western Montana is critical to whether we remain a free Republic for another 250 years," Flint told the Five Valleys Pachyderm Club.

Flint burst out of the gate last week following Zinke's unexpected retirement, saying he would not seek a fifth term in the U.S. House due to health issues related to his military service. Zinke told the Montana State News Bureau as Friday's event was winding down that the health issues became especially acute after he broke a rib skiing about three weeks ago.

Zinke's announcement was an earthquake in Montana politics, but Flint's preloaded campaign launch was the aftershock.

Flint, a longtime conservative radio host in Montana, told the Pachyderm members on Friday that Zinke approached him in mid-to-late January to size up his interest in running.

"He talked about the importance of this race and he also talked about the election of Senator Tim Sheehy, and how the American people are excited to see new leadership, and especially to see fighters fighting for their country," Flint said. "He said to me, 'Aaron, I need to know, are you in? Are you out?'"

Flint told the congressman he was all in, but said he was waiting up until the morning of March 2 to learn how Zinke's discussion with President Donald Trump about the matter went over. Later that day, Zinke bowed out of his reelection bid, Flint released a highly produced campaign announcement video. Trump lent his endorsement to Flint the next day.

Two other formidable Republicans, Al Olszewski and Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, hopped into the race as well.

Olszewski has criticized U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who likewise dropped out two days after Zinke with another candidate in hand to replace him, endorsements and all. Zinke never officially filed for reelection although he did raise money for a campaign, and Olszewski said the congressman's arrangement with Flint was "no different."

Asked by the crowd gathered at Famous Dave's barbecue restaurant on Friday what he'd say to people concerned about "smoke-filled, backroom deal" coordinating his ascension in the race, Flint pointed to the competitive primary field that followed.

"I can't wait for the opportunity to get out there and prove who the real Montana A.F., America First, freedom fighter is in this race," Flint responded.

The candidate never named his opponents during the event, but did jab indirectly at Olszewski, who was a state lawmaker for three sessions and has since mounted unsuccessful campaigns for governor, as well as the U.S. House and Senate.

"You get these perennial politicians, they run for an office and they lose the big office, and that's ok for a little bit," Flint said. "… They run for office and they lose and they run for office and then they lose, and then lose an important mayor race in their own backyard, and yet you don't hear from them for four years, but now they see a title and they get all doe-eyed."

Olszewski neve ran for mayor but it has been four years since he was on the campaign trail. That year he came within striking distance of beating Zinke, who ultimately won the primary by 2 percentage points.

Asked what his first action would be if elected, Flint said he'd prioritize working into key committee assignments.

Zinke answered a few questions, as well, in what felt to some like a leg of his farewell tour — although some of his events around the district announcing federal funding for local projects in the last week have paired with fundraisers for Flint's campaign.

The congressman said he took the decision to leave office after this term very seriously, but ultimately found it was time for new blood.

"You know, D.C. views Montana through the lens of Yellowstone," he said. "I've got to know Kevin Costner a little. I think it's well-written, it's well-produced, but it's a drama set in Montana, just like Star Wars is a drama set in space. … So a lot of what we do in Montana or in D.C. is push back, and represent us."