Republican Congressional candidate Ryan Zinke announced Sept. 26 that he will participate in the Sept. 29 debate hosted by the Billings Gazette and Yellowstone Public Radio. Zinke said he rearranged his campaign schedule in order to attend the event.

“I was disappointed when my opponent was unwilling to choose a date for the debate that was workable for all parties, but a leader is constantly facing conflicts with time, energy and resources — and finds the best way to balance those conflicts,” he said. “Nothing is as important to me as getting my message out to the people of Montana. I look forward to articulating the differences between myself and my opponent.”

Zinke, a Whitefish resident, said he doesn’t take his commitments lightly.

“I made this debate a high priority, made the necessary schedule changes to allow me to attend, and I appreciate the willingness of the Gazette to welcome us to the debate,” he said. “I am committed to Montana and to making sure that Montanans have the opportunity to see the stark differences between myself and my opponent — a leader versus a politician, a businessman versus a bureaucrat.”

Zinke said he also will participate in a debate in Bozeman on Oct. 4 and numerous other debates across the state, in both urban and rural areas including Kalispell, Great Falls and Sidney.