Public Service Commissioners Jergeson and Raney Endorse Tester for U.S. Senate
Jergeson and Raney join Former U.S. Senator John Melcher and Former Montana State Auditor Mark O’Keefe in supporting Tester.
Montana Public Service Commissioners Greg Jergeson and Bob Raney today endorsed Jon Tester for U.S. Senate, saying the Democrat is a leader on energy issues and will craft policy so America can gain energy independence.
“We can count on Jon Tester to do what’s right for Montanans and Americans to help us get affordable, reliable energy and cut our addiction to foreign oil,” PSC Chairman Jergeson said. “Montanans and Americans need a strong voice in Washington who will look out for their energy interests, not the interests of world energy corporations and special-interest lobbyists. Jon Tester is that voice.”
Jergeson and Raney noted:
• Tester was the chief sponsor of a bill in the 2005 Montana Legislature to require that fifteen percent of Montana’s energy come from renewable sources, such as wind.
• Tester was the chief sponsor of successful legislation that provides tax incentives for wind energy in rural Montana.
• Tester supported and promoted successful legislation that promotes ethanol production and use in Montana.
• And Jon Tester helped to extend Montana’s program to increase energy conservation and weatherization for lower-income families and the elderly.
“Jon Tester has a clear vision of an American energy future in which the needs of families and communities come first,” Raney said. “Jon Tester’s been a leader in the push to boost Montana’s use of renewable energy, reduce our country’s dependence on coal, oil and gas, and help Montanans hurt by rising energy prices.”
Jergeson said Montanans and Americans are becoming increasingly alarmed by the influence of lobbyists, special interests and corporate money in Washington, D.C.
“Ever since the 1997 Legislative decided to deregulate electricity, Montanans have experienced the daily burden caused when corporate interests dictate the details of public policy,” Jergeson said. “Jon Tester, as a United States Senator, can be counted on to combat that same undue influence in our nation’s capitol.
“Grounded in the common sense and sound judgment of his life experiences and those of his friends and neighbors, Jon Tester has demonstrated a refreshing independence from the demands of the corporate special interests during his service in the Montana Senate,” Jergeson said. “That independence is absolutely essential for Montanans to regain their voice in the United States Senate, and to retain their quality of life.”
Tester released a list of other campaign supporters, including former U.S. Senator John Melcher, former Montana State Auditor Mark O’Keefe, and 46 Democratic Senators and Representatives.
Click here to view Jon Tester’s supporters.
Posted on Wednesday, May 17th, 2006 at 3:27 pm.
