Tanner Smith in 2024 MT Governor's race


On Budget & Economy: Opposed tax dollars to construct affordable housing

Rep. Tanner Smith, R-Lakeside, for example, said he is skeptical that it's a good time to invest public dollars in housing construction, given currently high construction costs. "There's so much money out there in the private sector that's just waiting for the cost of goods to go down," Smith said.
Source: Montana Free Press on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Apr 3, 2023

On Civil Rights: Supported bill prohibiting minors at drag shows

Republican lawmakers repeatedly described drag as inappropriate for children, comparing the performance with stripping and referencing adult drag shows they had heard of or personally attended decades ago. "It was adults doing adult things. And that's great," said Rep. Tanner Smith, R-Lakeside, referencing a drag performance he said he attended 30 years ago. "We're just asking, just leave the kids out of it."
Source: Montana Free Press on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Feb 23, 2023

On Drugs: Keep cannabis businesses 1,000 feet from churches/schools

A handful of cannabis-related bills were tabled in committee during the first half of the 2023 session. House Bill 265, sponsored by Rep. Tanner Smith, R-Lakeside, would have increased the required distance between a new cannabis business and public spaces like churches or schools from 500 feet to 1,000 feet.
Source: Montana Free Press on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Mar 8, 2023

On Drugs: Marijuana is decaying our state from within

Smith criticized Gianforte's administration most pointedly in regards to the governor's stance on social issues, specifically his expansion of marijuana dispensaries in the state. "[Marijuana] is decaying our state from within. Everywhere [dispensaries] have been tried, it always ends in misery… look at California, Oregon, Washington," Smith said.
Source: Daily Inter Lake on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Jun 15, 2023

On Education: Quality education for students, competitive pay for teachers

Committed to providing quality education to strengthen and equip students with the skills necessary for success and competitive pay for teachers
Source: 2024 Montana Governor campaign website TannerForMontana.com Nov 1, 2023

On Energy & Oil: Advocate for sustainable and diverse energy sources

Advocate for sustainable and diverse energy sources to drive Montana's economy while protecting the environment - such as the preservation of water rights to safeguard this vital resource for future generations
Source: 2024 Montana Governor campaign website TannerForMontana.com Nov 1, 2023

On Principles & Values: Montana born and raised, great pride in "God's country"

Tanner J. Smith is a candidate for the people of Montana. He's Montana born and raised and takes great pride in "God's country". As a father of 5 children ranging in age from 8 - 20 years old, he believes that building and maintaining safe communities and schools starts with speaking up and getting involved.
Source: 2024 Montana Governor campaign website TannerForMontana.com Nov 1, 2023

On Principles & Values: We need to double down on conservatism

[On GOP politics]: "A Republican from Northwest Montana that's an excavator with a logging background is far different than a Republican farmer. While we may agree on 80% of the issues, a Northwest Montana Republican brings more conservative stances to issues," Smith said. "We need to double down on conservatism."
Source: Daily Inter Lake on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Jun 15, 2023

On Tax Reform: Implement policies to lower taxes, promote economic growth

Recognizing the burden of high taxes on Montanans, implementing responsible fiscal policies that will lower taxes and promote economic growth
Source: 2024 Montana Governor campaign website TannerForMontana.com Nov 1, 2023

On Crime: Firm on crime; no exceptions; see something, say something

Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Energy & Oil: Strive for energy independence; extract rich coal & oil

Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Environment: Scored 14% on Montana Conservation Voters scorecard

Montana Conservation Voters protects our clean air, clean water, public lands and democracy by supporting leaders who fight for these rights and by holding accountable leaders who do not.

MCV will make climate action an unavoidable issue for voters, candidates and elected officials at all levels of government. MCV will work to replace anti-conservation elected leaders with pro-conservation elected leaders.

2023 House Scorecard for Rep. Tanner Smith: 14%

Source: Montana Conservation Voters on 2024 Montana Governor race Dec 24, 2023

On Environment: Hall of Shame on Montana Conservation Voters scorecard

Montana Conservation Voters protects our clean air, clean water, public lands and democracy by supporting leaders who fight for these rights and by holding accountable leaders who do not.

MCV will make climate action an unavoidable issue for voters, candidates and elected officials at all levels of government. MCV will work to replace anti-conservation elected leaders with pro-conservation elected leaders.

2023 Scorecard for Gov. Gianforte: "Hall of Shame". Gov. Gianforte vetoed SB 442 ["Allow for marijuana tax revenue to be used for county road maintenance"]. Why did the Governor choose to ignore the thousands of everyday Montanans who testified, called, wrote, or rallied in support of this bill? Why did he reject a bipartisan solution, with broad support in the legislature and in communities across Montana? By dismissing the hard work and earnest opinions of so many Montanans, he showed that he has no shame.

Source: Montana Conservation Voters on 2024 Montana Governor race Dec 24, 2023

On Environment: Preserve water rights to safeguard for future

In a press release [announcing his gubernatorial candidacy], Smith emphasized "the power of Montana values and our way of life," such as "hard work, self-reliance, and respect for our natural wonders," and said that he is "determined to preserve and restore these values, ensuring a brighter future for every Montana."

According to the press release, Smith plans to campaign on combating crime; lowering taxes; advocating for "sustainable and diverse energy sources to drive Montana's economy while protecting the environment -- such as the preservation of water rights to safeguard this vital resource for future generations"; "providing quality education"; and "defending the rights and freedoms cherished by Montanans."

Source: Flathead Beacon on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Jun 13, 2023

On Environment: Steward with care but without federal overreach

Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Gun Control: 2nd Amendment is alive and well in Montana

Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Homeland Security: Thank veterans who have selflessly served our country

Tanner Smith for Governor: November 11: "A heartfelt thank you to all the brave veterans who have selflessly served our country. Your sacrifices and dedication are truly remarkable and deserve our utmost gratitude. Today, we honor and remember you for your courage and commitment. And a special thank you to my Niece, Brother and Stepfather for protecting our freedom. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans"
Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Immigration: If Federal Government won't enforce immigration laws, I will

Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Principles & Values: Respect the sacred flag & the Pledge of Allegiance

Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On War & Peace: Peace through strength is best deterrent, in Israel too

Tanner Smith for Governor: October 9: "Tanner Smith for Governor is in 100% solidarity with Israel during this tragedy. Times like these remind us that peace through strength is the best deterrent. Evil exists in this world and this is why we don't let Chinese Spy Balloons fly over Montana. As Governor I would have taken that balloon down at the border. Keeping Montanans safe is my top priority. Actions speak louder than words and Tanner Smith doesn't write letters."
Source: Facebook posting on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race Nov 16, 2023

On Health Care: We don't work 7 days a week so everyone can have freebies

Ryan Busse: Folding more Montanans into Medicaid coverage was a bipartisan solution that has only improved the lives and livelihood[s] of countless people. It has provided certainty and stability in our communities--for kids, seniors and Indigenous people. And it has saved all of us money in the long term.

Tanner Smith: We need to provide some assistance for the healthcare of children and those folks in need of temporary coverage. I also believe people who can work need to work and provide for themselves, including their health insurance. There needs to be sideboards and curbs on Medicaid or it will become financially unsustainable like every governmental assistance program. Those of us in the private sector don't work 7 days a week so everyone can have freebies.

Source: Montana Free Press on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race May 10, 2024

The above quotations are from 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
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Page last updated: Oct 31, 2024