After Tim Sheehy's firm persuaded officials in Gallatin County, Montana to issue $160 million in bonds so it could expand locally, the firm used most of the money to pay off previous investors.

Already in trouble with Montana tribes for his disparaging and racist comments about Native Americans, Montana GOP senatorial candidate Tim Sheehy was caught on tape during a campaign stop in August erasing the tribal influence in the state prior to European contact.

Tim Sheehy is a former Navy Seal and businessman who moved to Montana ten years ago to start an aerial firefighting company. He’s now running as a Republican to be that state’s next senator. And he’s leading in the polls. Montana Public Radio capitol bureau chief Shaylee Ragar joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer for a closer look at the race.

One Republican U.S. Senate candidate running on his private sector experience is now being scrutinized for a deal in which he sided with wealthy investors over his own would-be constituents. NBC News reported Tuesday that Tim Sheehy — who is running against Sen.