HELENA – The Montana Republican Party says it is inviting Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger to the GOP summer convention and a public debate with the party’s endorsed candidate.
A spokesman for Bohlinger’s re-election campaign with Gov. Brian Schweitzer says Bohlinger will not be going, and prefers a debate in a neutral setting.
The Republican Party and Bohlinger have had some tense dealings since the former GOP state lawmaker joined Schweitzer, a Democrat, in 2004. Bohlinger says he still considers himself a Republican — even though he runs on a Democratic ticket.
Bohlinger was denied access to last year’s GOP summer convention.
The GOP says Bohlinger should come this year and debate Steve Daines, the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Roy Brown.