Rich GOP Senate hopeful charged with impersonating a Montanan to skip paying government fees

Montana businessman and Republican Senate hopeful Troy Downing faces misdemeanor charges for trying to purchase Montana hunting and fishing licenses illegally as an out-of-state resident seven times, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported. Some Montana-based journalists have taken to jokingly calling the offense "impersonating a Montanan."

Along with citations for seven attempted purchases of state hunting and fishing licenses, Downing was also cited for "transferring a hunting license to another person and a ninth time for assisting an unqualified applicant in obtaining a hunting license," the Daily Chronicle reported.

In Montana, hunting licenses are roughly $20 for in-state residents, but can run up to $600 for out-of-state residents.

Downing, a member of the elite and "outrageously expensive" Yellowstone Club, reportedly entered the midterm race against Democratic Sen. John Tester (D-MT) after having dinner with then-Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), who now serves as Interior Secretary. That dinner, which was also accompanied by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), "planted the seed" of his Congressional aspirations.

Zinke's wife Lolita, a Hispanic Republican profiled on the GOP's website last year, is Downing's campaign chairwoman. Much of his campaign messaging centers around "loving the outdoors."