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Tuesday, October 04, 2005

MT-Sen: Bob Ream Endorses Jon Tester

Posted by Bob Brigham

In a major sign of momentum for Montana Senate President Jon Tester is the endorsement of former Professor, State Legislator, and Democratic Party Chair Bob Ream. In an email, Ream says:

Since my retirement after eight years as Chair of the Montana Democratic Party, I’ve managed to stay quite busy – doing “deferred maintenance” at home and taking a much-needed vacation with my family.

Now it’s time for me to get back into politics and participate in a way that I haven’t been able to in years: by getting involved in a primary.

I spent 16 years in the Montana House and I am dedicated to helping Jon Tester win both the primary and the general election.

Jon Tester is my good friend and he is the only Democrat who can beat Conrad Burns. Tester is a farmer from north-central Montana who appeals to rural and urban Montana voters. Tester knows what it’s like to wake up at 4:30 a.m. and work out in the fields. The dirt on his cowboy boots is real. He’s a third-generation Montana farmer who will take Montanan’s needs and issues to Washington without the help of Jack Abramoff or other lobbyists. (emphasis Ream)

What does this mean for the Democratic Primary campaign where Tester is being challenged by the DLC's John Morrison?

First, it is important to note that Tester is solidifying his advantage with the Democratic establishment -- even while running a populist campaign. During Ream's time as Chair, he spent countless months on the road organizing Democrats across the state, which came together in last year's Montana Miracle sweep. Ream is respected and known in all 56 counties and his support is a major coup for the Tester campaign.

Next, it is important to note that Ream wrote and even bolded that Tester is, "the only Democrat who can beat Conrad Burns.". Ream believes in straight talk and it is refreshing to see him convey the fact that John Morrison can't win.

For Democrats nationwide, the Montana Senate Primary is critical.

Tester first lined up the support of Montana bloggers which allowed him to get national blog support. Likewise, I hope that Tester's support from Montana Democrats will allow him to get support from national Democrats.

Posted at 05:04 PM in Montana | Technorati

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Comments

When is the Montana primary?

Posted by: Mark [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 4, 2005 06:04 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Mark,
We have to wait for 9 months of winter to come and go here in Montana before the primary on June 6, 2006.

Posted by: lindabee*mt [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 5, 2005 02:36 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment