The debate over Syrian refugees in Montana was brought into the national spotlight this week, when former presidential candidate and Texas Governor Rick Perry brought the topic up on Fox news.

“If [refugees] need to be moved out areas of where there’s real issues in the middle east we need to be working with our Middle Eastern partners over there,” Perry said. “Saudi Arabia can build refugee camps and pay for them rather than moving them to Bozeman, Montana.  I was up in Montana this last week and their governor is in favor of moving those individuals in there. I think the people of Montana are going to stand up and say, ‘No we’re not.’ ”

KGVO news reached out to Governor Bullock’s office for a statement on the issue, but has not yet received one. Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Greg Gianforte explained where he stood.

“I called for a full halt of Obama Syrian refugee programs on day one,” Gianforte said. “Unvetted Syrian refugees should not be resettled here in Montana. Unlike our current governor I would stand up and defend Montana security.”

In the past, Governor Bullock has expressed openness to taking Syrian refugees into Montana, while many Montana counties have argued against the idea over public safety concerns. Montana’s refugee policy will undoubtedly be on the shortlist of issues under consideration for voters in November.

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