Montana governor faces criticism for vacation during floods

By MATTHEW BROWN and AMY BETH HANSON
Associated Press

RED LODGE, Mont. (AP) — Amid heavy criticism six days after leaving the country without telling his constituents, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office confirmed that he had gone to Italy with his wife. His office said he was briefed regularly about intense flooding that devastated the northern part of Yellowstone National Park and nearby communities. The criticism of Gianforte was a little more political than practical. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said Friday that when you’re in public service, there are things that take precedent, and this week’s disaster is pretty important. But a Carbon County commissioner said he was able to contact Gianforte by phone and that the state did not neglect any duties.