BILLINGS – Michael Flynn, who served as President Trump’s national security advisor for 24 days, is coming to Billings May 6 on a campaign stop for Republican Senate candidate Troy Downing.
Flynn, a retired Army general, will be at an airplane hangar at 2415 Overlook Dr. in an event that’s open to the public, although an RSVP is required. It runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Billings stop is one of several in Montana that Downing, one of four Republicans seeking to unseat Democratic incumbent Jon Tester, is making with Flynn.
The tour has raised eyebrows because Flynn is a key figure in the Russia investigation of the Trump administration’s ties to Russia. The retired general has said he’s cooperating with investigators after agreeing to a plea deal by admitting he lied to federal investigators, which is a felony.
In an news release, Downing called Flynn a "patriot" and touted their shared military background. Downing is an Air Force veteran.
"If we don’t push back against the establishment and career politicians and stand up for our own, who will? I am proud to take a stand and be joined by fellow combat veteran and American Patriot, Gen. Mike Flynn," Downing said. "Together, we are going to send entrenched left-wing career politician Jon Tester back to the farm."
VIP admission and pictures with Flynn cost $500.
Flynn’s tenure as national security advisor was the shortest in the 63-year history of the post, according to The Washington Post.
His resignation followed press reports that Flynn had misled Vice President Mike Pence about conversation he’d had with a Russian ambassador during Trump’s transition.
Downing is facing Russ Fagg, a former Billings judge, state Auditor Matt Rosendale and state Sen. Al Olszewski of Kalispell.
