Rehberg agrees to only two fall debates

After dodging June 24 debate, Rehberg says he’ll debate Tester only twice

BILLINGS, Mont. – After backing out of a long-scheduled debate in June, Congressman Dennis Rehberg has agreed to debate Montana farmer Jon Tester only twice between now and Election Day.

Tester on June 7 challenged Rehberg and Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Dan Cox to six fall debates that would be broadcast statewide.

After ignoring Tester’s debate challenge for more than five weeks, Rehberg recently agreed to debate Tester only on October 8, in Billings, and again on October 20, in Bozeman.

Rehberg earned significant attention for backing out of a long-scheduled debate by the Montana Broadcasters Association in order to attend an out-of-state campaign fundraiser. That debate was scheduled for June 24, in Whitefish.

“For Congressman Dennis Rehberg, fundraising in other states is more of a priority than debating his opponents in Montana, and that’s why he only wants two debates this fall,” said Montanans for Tester campaign manager Preston Elliott. “We look forward to the debates Congressman Rehberg is willing to take part in, and we hope the Congressman won’t try to back out at the last minute like he did last month.”

The October 8 debate will be sponsored by the Billings Gazette. The October 20 debate will be sponsored by the Montana Television Network.

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