Joint Action Committee
for Political Affairs

Voting Record:

Senator Jon Tester Democrat of Montana

Statistics

Party: Democrat
Born: August 21, 1956
Education: College of Great Falls, BS Music, 1978
Occupation: School Board, Montana State Legislator, President of Montana Senate, farmer, Butcher Shop owner, Music Teacher
Family: Married: Sharla - 2 children and grandchildren
Religion: Christian
Political Career: Senator, Montanta State Sentate, 1998-2006; President, Montana State Sentate 2005; Senator, U.S. Senate 2006-Present
Committees: Appropriations, Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Indian Affairs, and Veteran Affairs.

Why Your Support

Senator Jon Tester is not what you expect of an elected official in Washington, DC. He is a Montana organic farmer, staunch second amendment rights advocate and supporter of reproductive rights, stem cell research and repeal of DADT. Tester fights for veterans and their issues as well as believing in the importance of developing clean and sustainable new energy resources. Ranked as a “moderate liberal," Tester's concerns include government reform and erosion of the middle class.  He voted in favor of the Affordable Health Care Act, President Obama’s Supreme Court nominees and regularly supports increased funding for public education.He is a strong proponent of alternative energy and decreased emissions. In a blue state trending red, he will face strong opposition from the right for his progressive votes. His record on JAC's agenda has earned hm our support.

Background

Tester  won his first senate race by 3,562 votes. Montana has fewer than 1 million people in its state. The median income is $42,000 and 88% of the inhabitants are white. Montana is the 4th largest state in area and 44th in population. Montana voted for John McCain in 2008 by a 3% margin. The governor of the state and the other senator, Max Baucus, are both Democrats.

About The Candidate

Senator Tester’s motto is, “You have two ears, one mouth, act accordingly.” He wears his cowboy boots to work and brags about his $8 haircut. He lives on the farm that his grandparents farmed nearly 100 years ago. When he comes home, Senator Tester grows organic wheat, barley, lentils, peas and other vegetables. He has a great relationship with veteran groups and says that they are his top priority.Tester's opponent is Rep Danny Rehberg (R), a 6-term Republican Congressman who is part of the Tea Party Caucus.

Rehberg is receiving significant funds from the Koch brothers because of his anti-environment, anti regulation, pro coal votes. On social issues, Rehberg has a 0% rating from Naral as he is anti choice and anti stem cell research. He voted against the hate crimes legislation as well as being against the free school lunch program for children living in poverty.

Senator Jon Tester is a breath of fresh air.  He speaks forcefully while in DC for women’s reproductive rights, the environment and Israel, while not losing touch with his family farm and moral values.Tester is a senator who says what he thinks and stands up for what he believes.