Montana's Greg Gianforte working out a plea deal for misdemeanor assault of Guardian reporter

The Billings Gazetteis reporting that new Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-MT) might be trying to negotiate a plea deal for his misdemeanor assault charges after an encounter with Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs.

Gianforte attorneys had previously asked for an extension for the court date and Gallatin County Justice Court Judge Rick West did not set a date for the appearance.

The motion to delay also noted that "the parties are currently exploring a settlement" and an extension wasn't opposed by the state. County Attorney Marty Lambert told The Gazette that means Gianforte and the state are negotiating a plea deal.