Staff Reports
Senator John Tester is pulling out all the stops as he readies himself for a ferocious reelection bid in Montana, and it seems he’s targeting a surprisingly familiar demographic: Republican ticket-splitters. The three-term Democratic senator, who dabbles in farming when he’s not busy navigating the treacherous waters of the Senate, knows that to hold onto his precious seat, he needs not just that blue support but a sprinkling of red voters to back him up.
Tester’s latest tactic? A “Republicans for Tester” TV advertisement that rolled out over Labor Day showcased an apparent red resurgence on his campaign. In this audacious 30-second spot, a self-declared Republican proclaims his dual allegiance, stating that while he’s firmly in Trump’s corner, he’s also voting for Tester. The bizarre brainchild of the ad, endorsed by politicians who might be labeled as riding the fence, aims to strengthen Tester’s bipartisan appeal in the face of overwhelming Republican sentiments in the state.
Montana Sen. Jon Tester plays up his bipartisan appeal in a new campaign ad https://t.co/VasPoJGc2m
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 2, 2024
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Tester as he goes toe-to-toe with Republican challenger Tim Sheehy, a businessman, and former Navy SEAL who has the backing of former President Trump—a hefty endorsement that Tester hopes won’t end up being the proverbial kiss of death. The odds may seem stacked against Tester in this ruby-red state. After all, even the bright lights of his political career can’t overshadow the fact that Trump’s recent victories in Montana were nothing short of crushing; he clinched the 2020 election by over 16 points and left Hillary Clinton dazed and confused by a staggering 20-point loss in 2016.
In a world where Montana values often skew toward conservative ideals, Tester tries to brand himself as a “man of the people.” The ad highlights his legislative achievements, reminding voters that he got more than 20 bills signed by Trump and even dared to stand up to the Biden administration on issues like the Keystone Pipeline and gun rights. One of the Republican supporters in the ad jovially alleges that Tester is more about doing what’s right for Montana than adhering to party lines, a claim that might make many traditional conservatives raise an eyebrow and chuckle—who knew loyalty to one’s roots was so flexible?
As the election combatants gear up, campaign finance reports indicate Tester is holding his own, amassing nearly $44 million for his reelection campaign, with a comfy cushion of almost $11 million cash on hand. In comparison, Sheehy’s $14 million haul and $3.2 million in savings seem a little less impressive but still formidable. Whichever way the November winds blow, this battle promises to be one for the ages in the Big Sky State, as Tester works hard to convince disillusioned Republicans that, against all odds, he’s the type of candidate they can get behind—right before he gets back to his home on that third-generation farm.
