Tester campaign on MBA’s debate cancelation: Rehberg hiding from Montanans

Tester challenges all Montanans to demand Rehberg’s reason for backing out of Whitefish debate

BILLINGS, Mont. – Preston Elliott, campaign manager for Montana farmer Jon Tester, tonight released the following statement after word that the Montana Broadcasters Association cancelled Sunday’s long-scheduled debate in Whitefish due to Congressman Dennis Rehberg’s refusal to participate:

“In Montana, your word is your bond, and a handshake is a contract.  Despite previously agreeing to this debate, Dennis Rehberg has pulled out and he won’t tell Montanans where he’ll be.

“Congressman Rehberg is afraid to debate Jon Tester because he knows his 12 years of irresponsible decisions and lack of accomplishment don’t hold up to Jon’s accomplishment in the Senate.  Dennis Rehberg knows he can’t win on his record of protecting tax breaks for millionaires while voting against Montana’s kids, seniors and veterans.

“Earlier this year Dennis Rehberg got caught hiding $25,000 he took from lobbyists, and now he’s hiding from the people of Montana.  The question is: why?  Dennis Rehberg refuses to discuss why he’s avoiding this debate, and we challenge all Montanans to demand the answer.”

In addition to hiding from Sunday’s debate, Rehberg has also ignored Tester’s challenge to join him for six fall debates based off of several standing invitations from independent organizations in communities across Montana. The dates and locations below all work for listed sponsors:

  • Butte, September 5 at 5:30 p.m. (Sponsors: AARP)
  • Helena, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. (Sponsors: Hometown Helena, Beartooth NBC )
  • Great Falls, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. (Sponsor: Great Falls Chamber of Commerce)
  • Billings, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. (Sponsors : Billings Gazette & MSU-Billings)
  • Missoula, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. (Sponsors: Montana PBS & Montana Public Radio)
  • Bozeman, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. (Sponsor: Montana Television Network)

Dan Cox has already joined Tester in committing to the six debates.

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