Charged with assaulting a journalist on Wednesday at what was to be a final rally in Bozeman on the eve of a Montana special election today, Republican Congressional candidate Greg Gianforte has a friend in New Jersey.

“I believe we should all treat the press with respect, and I try to lead by example,” Lance told MSNBC. “I, of course, hope that the Republican is successful today because I think his views are the views of the people of Montana.”

Watch the clip of Lance concerning Gianforte and the Montana election here.