The Burns campaign is trying to use Jon Tester's words against him. They've started a campaign pretending that the Patriot Act, which Tester has publicly opposed, is good for fighting terror, and therefore that Jon will be "weak on terror."
This is the letter that I included in with the contribution I'm sending to Jon Tester's campaign today.
Dear Jon Tester,
I've known I would vote for you since the day I heard that an organic farmer was running against Conrad Burns. But today I have a yard sign with your name on it, and am sending you a contribution, because of that one statement you made in a debate: "I don't want to weaken the Patriot Act, I want to repeal it." I've been wanting to hear somebody say that for five years.
For the remaining month of the campaign, I only ask one thing of you: do not back down. The Burns campaign wants to use your words against you. Let them know you mean it.
When Burns says your statement show that you are "weak on terror," say to him, "You don't get much weaker than a Senator who's so scared of terrorists, he's willing to give away our basic rights and give the President unlimited power."
When Burns says you want to "cut and run" from Iraq, you can say, "The Iraq war is a complete disaster and everybody knows it. Bush and Burns want to keep throwing American money and American lives into that mess. I want to get our troops out of there to focus again on the battles that really matter."
When Burns says you are going to raise taxes, tell him, "If you mean I want to roll back the irresponsible giveaways of our tax dollars to the people who need it least and to huge corporations, you're dang right I want to do that."
When Burns says you're a liberal, respond, "If being a conservative means expanding government without making it work for the people, starting wars with no exit strategy, and giving the President powers with no oversight, you can bet I'm not a conservative."
Remember, Conrad Burns has nothing in his hand. His only ace is the fact that he brings home lots of pork. But you've got a full house, Mr. Tester. When the Burns campaign attacks you, it only shows that their values are entirely backward. They fight from a position of weakness. Don't back down.
Thanks for your service to the state of Montana. I look forward to your tenure in the United States Senate.