Next for Montana’s new congressman: Day in court

Montana’s new congressman hasn’t even been sworn into his first public office, but people are already talking about his prospects in 2018 and even 2020.

First things first though for Greg Gianforte, who has to deal with a misdemeanor assault charge he received the day before the election after witnesses said he slammed a reporter to the ground.

Gianforte could have appeared in court in Bozeman on Friday to resolve the charge but did not and has a June 7 legal deadline do so.

He faces a maximum of 6 months in jail and a $500 fine if convicted. It’s rare for people to serve jail time for misdemeanors unless they have serious criminal records. The Gallatin County Attorney is also reviewing the case to see if additional charges are merited.

Montana Democrats on Friday quickly called for Gianforte to not be seated in Congress until his legal issues are resolved.