I first heard about Jon Tester not through the Montana press, but through dKos.
In the time before time, when there were at least 5 Dem candidates in this race, I have been a Tester supporter. First I read about him here, where his name was mercilessly flogged by kos, then I gave a little cash for the primary. When Jon was outspent 2-1 by insider John Morrison (backed by the traditional Dem machine) I gave a little more.
Tonight I was one of several co-sponsors of an event for Jon at the home of Pat Williams, former Montana congressman. I'm in big, and I wanted to share a few observations about Jon and some things he said tonight (more below)
By the way, I saw the nametag
david sirota at the party. Sorry I never got to talk to that guy.
About Conrad Burns Jon said, and I paraphrase: "Conrad Burns was changed by Washington...I want to say something to all of you tonight: If I go to Washington, and that happens to me...campaign vigorously against me."
Now maybe that sounds like stock soundbite stuff to you, but Jon's sincerity is right there on his sleeve. If you are from Montana, go see this guy at any public event. If you are not from Montana, please know this guy is the real thing.
On immigration Jon's stance seems to be a hard line no-amnesty one. I took him aside for a short conversation about my own immigration experience - my wife is a British citizen and unless you have been through it, you have no clue how hard the government works to keep legal immigrants out too. There are thousands of spouses going what we are going through. In any case, Jon's stance is that everyone needs to 'get in line' to emigrate, but he is clear that we need to facilitate the process for those who do so legally. I hope he follows up on that. It's a personal issue for me, and I felt listened to.
On Fundraising Jon was quite blunt that a lot of outside influence (money) will come into the state, from both parties and he can't control every message. He wants to run a positive campaign, but was clear that both sides are going to put out their message about Jon, not necessarily Jon's message about himself. It was a realistic appraisal of the situation and I think everyone in the room appreciated it.
So that was the night. I was proud to be a part of it.
And I hope that outside-the-state Dems please refrain from the hackneyed 'plain-spoken, colorful' and other crap cliches people use to describe politicians from places you usually fly over.
Give the man his due - he's a smart, sensible candidate with innovative ideas on energy and a disciplined approach to finance. He is a practical candidate understands government should enrich all its citizens, not just the ones who are elected to govern. Talk about him that way.
Jon said tonight that the West may change into what the South used to be for the Democrats. That would certainly turn all the blue-state red-state bullshit on its head.
I hope you all come along for the ride and continue to support this man.
Thanks for listening.