A forum on Montana & Flathead Valley politics.
Aaron Murphy, with Sen. Jon Tester’s campaign, sent along letters from chamber of commerce presidents in Great Falls and Missoula in which they distance themselves from a series of negative advertisements aimed at Tester that are paid for by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
In a letter to the Great Falls Tribune, which isn’t available online, Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President made clear that “dues from any Chamber member do not go to that PAC and, therefore, don’t help pay for those ads.”
The Missoula Chamber of Commerce also responded to “several calls from our members expressing concern” about the advertisements. A letter from John Brauer, chairman of the board, and Kim Latrielle, Missoula Chamber president, read in part:
One of the ads running against Tester:
In a letter to the Great Falls Tribune, which isn’t available online, Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President made clear that “dues from any Chamber member do not go to that PAC and, therefore, don’t help pay for those ads.”
The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce does not support any negative ads on any candidate. We highly recommend that any negative ad toward any candidate be taken with skepticism until it has been researched, evaluated and verified before anyone makes a final decision regarding that candidate.
The Missoula Chamber of Commerce also responded to “several calls from our members expressing concern” about the advertisements. A letter from John Brauer, chairman of the board, and Kim Latrielle, Missoula Chamber president, read in part:
We do not condone the tone of these commercials and believe this type of campaigning is counterproductive. As an independent organization governed by local business and community partners, we do not automatically agree with either the Montana Chamber of Commerce or the U.S. Chamber on their polices or messages. We do not endorse political candidates and we do not pay for advertisements regarding candidates.
One of the ads running against Tester:
Comments (0) TotalPolitico’s David Catanese obtained recent numbers from GOP pollster John McLaughlin that show Congressman Denny Rehberg with a six-point lead over incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, 46-40. Fourteen percent remain undecided.
At least three separate polls on the highly competitive race have been released in the last few weeks. Last month, PPP found Rehberg up 47-45. The month before that, a poll commissioned by the Montana Chamber of Commerce had Tester leading 42-37.
The race is even more crucial in deciding which party will control the U.S. Senate with Nebraska Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson announcing earlier this week that he will retire. In fact, Catanese says it is the most competitive in the country:
At least three separate polls on the highly competitive race have been released in the last few weeks. Last month, PPP found Rehberg up 47-45. The month before that, a poll commissioned by the Montana Chamber of Commerce had Tester leading 42-37.
The race is even more crucial in deciding which party will control the U.S. Senate with Nebraska Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson announcing earlier this week that he will retire. In fact, Catanese says it is the most competitive in the country:
While a pair of private surveys delivered mixed results, no public poll has shown the needle budging significantly in one direction, making this the toughest Senate race in the country to call.
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Sen. Jon Tester is teaming up with Facebook to host a public forum in Kalispell on Jan. 5 to address the risks of online social media for Montana students, according to a press release from Tester's office. What catches my eye isn't just the subject matter but also the list of notable officials who plan to participate.
The release says Tester will be joined by Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, Attorney General Steve Bullock, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher and Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle. The goal is to "help educate parents and teachers about online safety for children."
Facebook representatives will also be on hand to "discuss how social media builds positive connections for young people and demonstrate the reporting tools available to report improper, threatening and dangerous behavior."
The forum will be held at the Flathead High School auditorium on Jan. 5, a Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The release states that the presentation will be followed by "an extensive question and answer session." There is a Facebook page set up for the forum, though the event time is wrong.
The release says Tester will be joined by Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, Attorney General Steve Bullock, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher and Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle. The goal is to "help educate parents and teachers about online safety for children."
Facebook representatives will also be on hand to "discuss how social media builds positive connections for young people and demonstrate the reporting tools available to report improper, threatening and dangerous behavior."
The forum will be held at the Flathead High School auditorium on Jan. 5, a Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The release states that the presentation will be followed by "an extensive question and answer session." There is a Facebook page set up for the forum, though the event time is wrong.
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| File photo by Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon |
The future of the Keystone XL pipeline is still uncertain at the federal level, but from Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer's perspective, the issue has been all but cleared up at the state level.
Schweitzer announced Thursday that TransCanada, Keystone XL's owner, has fulfilled its obligations under Montana's Major Facility Siting Act (MFSA). Within the next several weeks, according to a release from the governor's office, the state Department of Environmental Quality will issue TransCanada its MFSA permit.
The release states that the $7 billion proposed project would include more than $1 billion in construction in Montana and help create 1,200 "high-paying construction jobs."
TransCanada's Alex Pourbaix, president, Energy and Oil Pipelines, said "Governor Schweitzer has long recognized the importance of Keystone XL."
Of course, this doesn't mean much until the project gets approved by the federal government. And with President Barack Obama saying a decision likely won't be made until 2013, Schweitzer will have to remain patient. In any case, the governor believes Montana can be a model for the Obama administration and other states.
Schweitzer announced Thursday that TransCanada, Keystone XL's owner, has fulfilled its obligations under Montana's Major Facility Siting Act (MFSA). Within the next several weeks, according to a release from the governor's office, the state Department of Environmental Quality will issue TransCanada its MFSA permit.
The release states that the $7 billion proposed project would include more than $1 billion in construction in Montana and help create 1,200 "high-paying construction jobs."
“In addition to the $100 million access on-ramp for Montana-produced oil that the company previously agreed to, I approved this permit with the requirement to post a $100 million bond to cover potential problems that might occur with the pipeline in Montana," Schweitzer said. "The requirement for this bond is made possible by Montana’s statutory MFSA authority."
TransCanada's Alex Pourbaix, president, Energy and Oil Pipelines, said "Governor Schweitzer has long recognized the importance of Keystone XL."
“We thank Governor Schweitzer for his support and leadership in granting our Montana’s Major Facility Siting Act certificate. This certificate would allow TransCanada to proceed with construction of Keystone XL if federal approval is received,” he said in the release.
Of course, this doesn't mean much until the project gets approved by the federal government. And with President Barack Obama saying a decision likely won't be made until 2013, Schweitzer will have to remain patient. In any case, the governor believes Montana can be a model for the Obama administration and other states.
"Now that Montana has done its part in ensuring this important project can move forward," Schweitzer's release states, "it is essential that the state of Nebraska and its representatives in Washington DC get things moving. Montana, with one of the more rigorous pipeline approval processes in the nation, has acted more quickly than Nebraska or the federal government."
Comments (0) TotalSens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus were two of only 20 Democratic senators to vote in favor of a balanced budget amendment earlier today.
The Senate rejected two separate proposals to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, following the footsteps of the House, which fell 23 votes short of the required two-thirds majority to pass its own balanced budget amendment last month.
The Republican proposal, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, was split on party lines, with all 53 Democrats opposing it and all 47 Republicans supporting it.
But the Democrats’ proposal received only 21 votes in favor, including one Republican, Dean Heller of Nevada. Both Tester and Baucus, one of the amendment’s five cosponsors, supported the measure. Mark Udall, a Democrat from Colorado, was the primary sponsor.
After the vote, Baucus explained his vote:
Tester also issued a statement:
The Senate rejected two separate proposals to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, following the footsteps of the House, which fell 23 votes short of the required two-thirds majority to pass its own balanced budget amendment last month.
The Republican proposal, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, was split on party lines, with all 53 Democrats opposing it and all 47 Republicans supporting it.
But the Democrats’ proposal received only 21 votes in favor, including one Republican, Dean Heller of Nevada. Both Tester and Baucus, one of the amendment’s five cosponsors, supported the measure. Mark Udall, a Democrat from Colorado, was the primary sponsor.
After the vote, Baucus explained his vote:
“Montanans know living within our means is all about choices, and this bill is the right choice to balance our budget responsibly by protecting seniors and prioritizing working families.”
Tester also issued a statement:
“This nation needs a balanced budget requirement because Congress was given a $236 billion surplus in 2001, then irresponsibly squandered it in a matter of months. Unlike previous balanced budget proposals, this responsible amendment requires a balanced budget while protecting seniors, Social Security, and middle-class families.
“But no Montanan should believe that simply voting for a balanced budget amendment will solve the problem at hand. It is time for Congress to work together and actually make the tough decisions required to responsibly cut spending and cut our debt. I’m ready for others to join me in tackling this critical challenge.”
Comments (0) TotalWe have previously reported on the bipartisan support Montana’s politicians have expressed for the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would run from Alberta through Eastern Montana and four other states en route to a refinery in Texas. Now, Congressman Denny Rehberg and Sen. Jon Tester, who square off next year in the race for Tester’s Senate seat, have doubled-down on that support.
Rehberg recently sponsored a bill that would require Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to issue a permit within 60 days to allow the pipeline to move forward. Language from that legislation has now been attached to a larger bill the GOP is pushing to extend the payroll tax cut. Democrats have said they oppose the pipeline provision. From Rehberg:
Meanwhile, Tester took to the Senate floor on Tuesday, promoting both his Forest Jobs and Recreation Act and the Keystone XL Pipeline. And he criticized President Barack Obama for delaying a decision on the project until 2013. From Tester’s speech:
However, Tester did say he opposed including Keystone XL Pipeline language in the payroll tax cut legislation. “We do not need to tangle this issue up with the payroll tax,” he said.
Rehberg recently sponsored a bill that would require Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to issue a permit within 60 days to allow the pipeline to move forward. Language from that legislation has now been attached to a larger bill the GOP is pushing to extend the payroll tax cut. Democrats have said they oppose the pipeline provision. From Rehberg:
“This decision should be made in the interest of thousands of Americans who need jobs, not the political convenience of President Obama and his special interest friends. Over three years, this process has run its course. It’s time to make a decision. I hope the President will do the right thing and stand up for the creation of American jobs.”
Meanwhile, Tester took to the Senate floor on Tuesday, promoting both his Forest Jobs and Recreation Act and the Keystone XL Pipeline. And he criticized President Barack Obama for delaying a decision on the project until 2013. From Tester’s speech:
"I do not believe we should have to wait until January of 2013 for a decision that can create American jobs right now. In Montana, we need the jobs. We need the ability to provide incentives to boost production in places where it makes the most sense—like the Bakken Formation in eastern Montana."
However, Tester did say he opposed including Keystone XL Pipeline language in the payroll tax cut legislation. “We do not need to tangle this issue up with the payroll tax,” he said.
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A Public Policy Polling survey released last week shows Rep. Denny Rehberg leading incumbent Sen. Jon Tester 47 percent to 45 percent, while a Montana Chamber of Commerce poll has Tester up 42-37.
PPP has polled the race three times in the last year and Rehberg has led by 2 points in every one of them. From PPP:
In separate poll commissioned in mid-November by the Montana Chamber of Commerce and obtained by POLITICO, Tester leads by 5 points, 42-37. From David Catanese:
Other polling news:
• The PPP survey shows President Barack Obama down 10 in Montana to Mitt Romney; eight to Newt Gingrich; and eight to Ron Paul. PPP’s Debnam says: “Barack Obama came surprisingly close to winning Montana in 2008. But it doesn’t look like he’ll be able to make it competitive again this time.”
• The Montana Chamber poll found, in the GOP gubernatorial primary, former Rep. Rick Hill leads Ken Miller 29 percent to 15 percent, which is much closer than the PPP poll, which has Hill leading Miller 37-10. Many voters in each poll are still undecided or unfamiliar with the candidates.
RELATED: Gingrich Up Big in Montana
PPP has polled the race three times in the last year and Rehberg has led by 2 points in every one of them. From PPP:
“It’s pretty unusual to see a year pass with absolutely no movement in a political race,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. “But both of these candidates are already very well known to the voters and the race hasn’t really gotten going yet, so it’s not terribly surprising.”
In separate poll commissioned in mid-November by the Montana Chamber of Commerce and obtained by POLITICO, Tester leads by 5 points, 42-37. From David Catanese:
While the margin of error isn't included in the memo, the sample of 600 voters means it is likely around 4 percent. It was composed of 49 percent Republicans and 32 percent Democrats.
It also comes just as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — a completely separate entity — has unloaded an air assault on Tester, targeting energy policy.
Other polling news:
• The PPP survey shows President Barack Obama down 10 in Montana to Mitt Romney; eight to Newt Gingrich; and eight to Ron Paul. PPP’s Debnam says: “Barack Obama came surprisingly close to winning Montana in 2008. But it doesn’t look like he’ll be able to make it competitive again this time.”
• The Montana Chamber poll found, in the GOP gubernatorial primary, former Rep. Rick Hill leads Ken Miller 29 percent to 15 percent, which is much closer than the PPP poll, which has Hill leading Miller 37-10. Many voters in each poll are still undecided or unfamiliar with the candidates.
RELATED: Gingrich Up Big in Montana
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| Newt.org |
Public Policy Polling results released this week show Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich surging to the front of the pack in Montana and gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill maintaining his lead.
PPP surveyed 700 Republican primary voters in the state between Nov. 28 and Nov. 30 and found the former speaker of the House of Representatives opening a healthy lead over the rest of the field, with 37 percent of GOP voters preferring Gingrich for president.
Here are the full results of the survey, which has a +/-3.7% margin of error.
PPP also polled Republican voters in Florida and found Gingrich opening up a big lead in that state, with support from 47 percent of GOP voters. From PPP:
The Democratic polling company also surveyed the Montana GOP gubernatorial primary, in which many voters are still unfamiliar with candidates in the crowded field.
Rick Hill has the most name recognition and is still the early frontrunner, with support from 37 percent of Republican voters. Here are the full results:
PPP surveyed 700 Republican primary voters in the state between Nov. 28 and Nov. 30 and found the former speaker of the House of Representatives opening a healthy lead over the rest of the field, with 37 percent of GOP voters preferring Gingrich for president.
Here are the full results of the survey, which has a +/-3.7% margin of error.
Newt Gingrich: 37%
Ron Paul: 12%
Mitt Romney: 11%
Michele Bachmann: 10%
Herman Cain: 10%
Rick Perry: 5%
Jon Huntsman: 3%
Rick Santorum: 1%
Gary Johnson: 1%
PPP also polled Republican voters in Florida and found Gingrich opening up a big lead in that state, with support from 47 percent of GOP voters. From PPP:
The magnitude of Gingrich's leads now is an indication that he's appealing to every segment of the Republican electorate. He's up with the Tea Party in both states (53% to 24% for Cain and 7% for Romney in Florida, 42% to 18% for Bachmann, 13% for Cain, 10% for Paul, and 5% for Romney in Montana.) But he's winning over party moderates as well (33% to 22% for Romney in Florida, 31% to 17% for Romney in Montana.) Gingrich's favorability in Florida is 72/21 and in Montana it's 65/23. You don't attain those kinds of numbers without having a lot of appeal to every faction in the party.
The Democratic polling company also surveyed the Montana GOP gubernatorial primary, in which many voters are still unfamiliar with candidates in the crowded field.
Rick Hill has the most name recognition and is still the early frontrunner, with support from 37 percent of Republican voters. Here are the full results:
Rick Hill: 37%
Ken Miller: 10%
Jeff Essmann: 5%
Jim Lynch: 4%
Neil Livingstone: 3%
Jim O’Hara: 3%
Corey Stapleton: 2%
Bob Fanning: 1%
Comments (17) TotalRead More Continental Divides
Gabby Johnson said: "New poll out today: A roaring 10 percent of the American people think Congress is doing a good job. Denny Rehberg picked a bad time…
waterman said: "It might mean that some just do not like successful people or accomplishments."
RIGHTOFCENTER said: "Yea, just look at what Unions have done in this Country. They have just about bankrupted local and State governments all across this great country. …
ponymt said: "I’m not sure why it cut my statement short but the following is the complete sentence.. Additionally, consider how “responsible” society has…
RIGHTOFCENTER said: "I have to agree with Craig moore, I too was a big supporter of Gallagher, but I would have been a big supporter of anyone…
Yudamni said: "I would not trust Tester. He is supposed to represent Montana. When over 60% of us were against Obama Care he still voted for it! …
waterman said: "It might mean that some just do not like successful people or accomplishments."
Gabby Johnson said: "New poll out today: A roaring 10 percent of the American people think Congress is doing a good job. Denny Rehberg picked a bad time…
JB said: "Oh, joy…more taxpayer dollars being spent for a worthless circle jerk, to benefit a minority of folks that don’t believe in God."
ponymt said: "I’m not sure why it cut my statement short but the following is the complete sentence.. Additionally, consider how “responsible” society has…