Montana’s next Congressman will soon be chosen and it is vital that our next representative will fight to do what is best for our state and for our nation. The challenges we face — our $18 trillion national debt, rising healthcare costs, and threats to our national security are real — and to continue to ignore them puts our county and our way of life at risk.

At the heart of solving these issues is ensuring we have a prosperous economy and good paying jobs so Montanans can succeed and we can keep the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans, and those in need. It takes a strong economy to afford a capable military, sound environmental policies, quality education, and maintenance of our public infrastructure and institutions.

Throughout this campaign I have had the privilege to speak with many of you about the issues facing our state. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about them. Now more than ever, we need leadership in Washington, and good leadership begins with identifying the issues and working to find solutions.

In particular, I want to thank the people of Whitefish and the surrounding area. Whitefish is home and where it all began for me. On the campaign trail I often talk about growing up here, and many of my closest friends to this day are those I grew up with. I always appreciate the warm welcome I receive coming home.

We can face our challenges head on and pass a legacy of prosperity to the next generation. I have found the people of Montana believe it, and so do I. Thank you for your support and I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election.

 — Ryan Zinke is the Republican candidate for Montana’s seat in the U.S. House