It’s Tester Time!
You did it!
Supporters of Senator-Elect Jon Tester rally and await election returns in Great Falls Tuesday night
After a long night, all your hard work to bring real change to the U.S. Senate paid off — Jon Tester has won the race against incumbent Senator Conrad Burns.
The Billings Gazette reports on this morning’s victory rally in Great Falls:
The flat-topped farmer was introduced at the press conference by his wife, Sharla, who said, “My husband, my soul mate, your U.S. senator, Papa Jon Tester.”
Tester, who got only two and one-half hours of sleep as he waited for election returns in the nail-biting race, said he intends to return to his farm in Big Sandy to get some sleep. He would wait until Thursday before starting to put together his U.S. Senate staff….
“Now is the time for working together,” Tester said. “Now is the time to put politics aside. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get some things done.”
“This is a great time,” he added. “It’s really a great time to empower the middle class….
“We were successful, and now it’s time to produce, to work for regular people, to work for regular Montanans, to move this country forward,” Tester said.
Leave your comments for Jon in the thread below.
Posted on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 at 2:01 pm. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
141 Responses to “It’s Tester Time!”
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November 8th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
WAY TO GO!!!! BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR NEXT BIG CHALLENGE. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
As a small contributor from California: Way to go, Jon (and Montana)!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
Now we just need some of the Tester love to spread into Idaho! What does your victory mean for the Farm Bill 2007, Jon? Support small scale, local, and natural farms!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
Congratulations,
We just finished a term paper on the Montana race, at the end of which we had to predict the winner. After analyzing all the info, THANKS FOR MAKING OUR PREDICTION COME TRUE. Please, however, don’t waste too much time allowing useless hearings about WMD. (Can the Senate prevent that??) PLease do demand an investigation and do oversight of the fraud and waste of money by the reconstruction companies in Iraq. Like Halliburton. The billions spent each week has to stop. Who can pay that?? Anyway Congratulations and good luck from a New Yorker.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Congratulations. I hope everyone in Washington will be able to put partisan politics aside and accomplish something. I just hope you don’t raise our taxes - my husband and I are middle-class and, while certainly not rich, we definately benefited from Bush’s tax cuts.
Again, congrats on your victory.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Congratulations Senator! I am from Minnesota and was happy to contribute to your campaign. I am very happy for you and all of the rest of us around the country who will benefit from the great job you will do in Washington.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Jon: You faught the good fight, tried to keep it clean and addressed the issues.
Burns tried every trick in the book and I say so long to negative politics. I supported you from the beginning, went door to door, called to get out the vote, and made two donations to a very worthy cause. Much success as our
U S Senator from Montana. Very Sincerely, Gerald F. Shields
November 8th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
Damn the clouds have parted and the sun ame out. Its a new in montana and in with our true montana man John. Good job John,may god bless you and all of us here in this great state. I know you will do good things for us here. Our Gov is on the right track and you will do just fine. WOOHOO for Montana.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
Can you post the acceptance speech? I’ve been looking for the text (or video.)
thankks
November 8th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
My heart swells with pride on your accomplishment.
We look forward to working with you to help mend and heal this country.
Get a well deserved rest; love to your family.
Oh yea, winters in DC are a bit milder than Montana.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Congats Jon! I have faith you will serve us well. I’m proud to have been a supporter, and proud once again of our electorate. Tim.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
CONGRATULATIONS Senator!!!!! YEE HAW!! A great day for Montana and the US!!
P.S. Next time do not let is get so close. I have no finger nails left and there are dark circles under my eyes……:)
You kicked butt!!!!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Congratulations Senator!
Great to see a man with values sent to Washington.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
Awesome. Seems a lifetime ago when I first heard about you on swingstate after Hackett lost in OH-02. Every nickel I sent your way was worth it–win or lose. But to see you win is sweet. Thanks to you and your wife for giving up so much of your lives to serve as our voice in the United States Senate.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Congratulations Senator Tester!!
I’m so happy that all the hard work of the volunteers has paid off. It certainly was a nail biter, and I only wish I could have watched the race from home in Montana. Many friends of mine worked hard to make this victory possible, while I have been studying and woking in Colorado. To them I say thanks for working hard up there to make this win a reality, and also for making a Democratic Senate a possibility. I’ll thank you properly with a drink or two while on winter break!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
Your position on the issues is just right — for Montana and America. Glad your voice will be heard in Washington!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Congratulations and thank you, Senator Tester! I look forward to following your work in the U.S. Senate. You are the right man for the job.
-Justin
November 8th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Congratulations from Nevada where we can’t seem to get the “red” out. I have been a contributor of yours from this red state because we can’t get it on for ourselves - but maybe someday. I’ll be watching what happens in Washington.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Congratulations! Our family is all so happy and proud of you. You get to Washington and show ‘em how it’s done.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Congratulations Senator! Show this country what real Montana is all about, and hopefully it will catch on.
November 8th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
What a nail biter, what a night!? Thanks for working so hard to bring effective government to Montana, to eliminate Burns, and to bring the Senate back to the Democrats.
This an important day for us and a grand day for you!
November 8th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Congratulations to all that voted! We’ve proved once again that democracy can and will prevail. These midterm results demonstrate Americans’ commitment to change course when deemed necessary for a brighter tomorrow. Americans, once again have hope; as do many many other cultures around the globe.
November 8th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
I am a student at Carroll College and have been pulling for this election. It was time for a change. Congrats Senator. Bring Montana values back to Washington. GREAT JOB!!!!!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
Congratulations Jon! Even my daughters jumped on the bandwagon, and together, we made it happen! You’re going to be AWESOME in Washington!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
YES!!! We are very proud to have you representing us in the US Senate!! My heart skips a few beats when I think about the determined young people waiting in line to vote with me late last night no matter how long it took. You inspired them to vote and take control of their future. YES!!!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
As a product of the Montana educational system and a current college student in Portland, Oregon, I would like to congratulate you. It gave me a great sense of pride as I voted for you; I greatly look forward to watch you bring basic values and honesty back to Washington D.C. I am honored to be a Montanan again!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
YES !!! Congrats on winning. I am so excited that we changed Montana to BLUE ! Please remember to make Washington like Montana and not the other way around. Stay true to yourself and Montana values. I know you will do great. Thanks again for taking the chance to change the USA for the better. My family is Born and raised in Montana and proud we are proud to call you Senator ! GOOD LUCK !!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Congrats Senator Tester,
I am a supporter of yours from Illinois. I have been up all night waiting for the results of your race. I am so happy you have won. Congrats!!!! Yes, I have even worn a Jon Tester t-shirt in the state of Illinois
November 8th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
Congratulations! Montana deserved this win. There’s a lot of work to be done, but we now have the right team to get it done. Let’s pledge to keep corruption and lobbyist influence out of Washington form this point forward and reclaim the mantle of “Party of Principle”! And then they can never take that away from us again.
November 8th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
This Montanan in exile in back East is very happy for your election. Congratulations. My parents, who live in Great Falls are also happy and relieved.
November 8th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
“My husband, my soul mate, your U.S. senator, Papa Jon Tester.”
Awwww, that is the sweetest thing I’ve heard in a while.
Hooray!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
I’ve followed this race from the Pearl Jam concert last year. Jon Tester is the kind of candidate that I get excited about and have been excited about for a long time. Now, he’s the kind of Senator that I am excited about to see what he can do to right the Bush administration’s sinking ship. He’s the kind of progressive voice that not only Montana needs, but people outside of the state, such as myself, need as well. I’m so impressed with the class of Jon Tester’s campaign and the recognition by the voters of the state of Montana that Jon Tester is indeed the best choice for U.S. Senator.
To Jon Tester, congratulations, you deserve it. You have already made a difference in America and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
November 8th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. My in-laws have a place on the Stillwater near Nye, and my wife and I have brought our three boys from California to visit every summer. I have come to love Montana, and so have the boys.
I have been following Jon’s campaign since the beginning of the year, have made a small contribution, and have cheered from the sidelines. My neighbors were nonplussed when they saw a “Tester for Senate” sign in our yard along with those for local California races.
Montana deserves to be represented by Jon, and we will all benefit by having a man of high integrity and vision in Washington. That his victory put the Democrats over the top in the Senate makes it all the sweeter.
Congratulations to Jon and to all the Montanans who worked so hard to bring this dream to reality.
November 8th, 2006 at 3:38 pm
Jon,
I attended your rally in Fort Belknap and in Havre and my husband and I were proud contributors to your campaign. I am so happy your were able to pull through, we rooted for you and didn’t get much sleep last night either. My husband knew way back in the beginning when you first announced you were running for senate that you were the person to get the job done, so we have followed your campaign from the very beginning. We were very happy when the AP called you the projected winner. I hope you do us well in the Senate and again congratulations!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Congratulations Senator Tester! I know that you will proudly representate the great state of Montana in D.C and get the job done. As a former long-time resident of Montana, I remember how beautiful the state was and it continues to be that way every time I go back which is almost every year. Please make the right decisions about protecting our environment and help to stop global warming. Glacier Nat’l Park wouldn’t be the same without it’s glorious glaciers and lakes. If you can, please bring prosperity back to the Eastern part of the state (where I’m originally from). Population there is dwindling. Thanks and best of luck in the Senate from a voter in Michigan!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Way to go SENATOR Jon Tester!!!!! It truly is a New Day and a New Way….Yahoooooo!!!!
I know Montana–and the country–will benefit greatly from your leadership.
Congratulations!!!!! Hi Sharla!!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
i am so proud of montana for electing you and for firing burns! it’s great to be represented by a fellow organic farmer and someone with integrity. thank you for working so hard to win this election :)
November 8th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Burns is refusing to concede — don’t let down your guard and keep your eye on those ballot boxes!!!!!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
What a fabulous victory for Montana. I am a Democrat in Ravalli County, a Republican stronghold, and we managed to muster a lot of votes for Jon, here. I sent Jon a Netflix DVD months ago called “All the Kings Men” (the 50’s version), which he watched and then sent back. It takes strong character to resist the corruption in Washington, but I believe Jon is up to the task - I saw it in his eyes at our rally in Hamilton. I need to make Jon aware of some very important news. My daughter, Hannah Linkenhoker, is a sophomore at the University of San Francisco and was asked to apply for an intern position on Nancy Palossi’s staff. Her application is in and I have contacted Max Baucus’ office to help get support for Hannah’s selection. Hannah was a high honor roll student and was raised here in the Bitterroot Valley. She is majoring in politics and has great potential to serve our state and nation. Can Jon help? My phone # is 239-6791 and my e-mail address is clinkenhok@yahoo.com. The potential public relations value of Hannah’s story is enormous and could help change politics in Ravalli County, where she is well-known and loved. Thanks, Chris Linkenhoker
November 8th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
I am so PROUD of Jon Tester!
November 8th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
I’m very dissapointed that you won, makes me loose faith in my fellow Montanans. I’m glad to see everyone out of state is glad that you won, maybe you could work to help Montana though and not them. You’ll probably jump on the bandwagon and follow others in your party and ignore what is best for MT.
November 8th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
Congratulations Jon!!!!! Good luck and godspeed.
November 8th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
Congratulations Jon! Now go to Washington and get stuff done! Montana is behind you!
November 8th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
I’ve been watching your race closely for a few months, as you were one of the most honest candidates I have ever seen run. I truly admire your platform and know you will do great representing your home state! Congratulations and good luck in Washington!
November 8th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Congratulations. Your victory makes American politics look hopeful again!
November 8th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Dear Senator Tester,
My husband and I had the opportunity to visit your great state last year. He was a Doctorate student in Math and we attended a seminar in Montana and toured some of your state. You have a very beautiful state, and your victory sir, adds to the beauty!
We sat up long last night her on the east coast watching election results. As we witnessed the results coming in, I began to read your biography. Real men do farm organic!
Our deepest congratulations on your new journey for the state of Montana and the United States!
Sincerely,
Dr. and Dr. Blu
November 8th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Congratulations, Jon!
As a Montanan, I am proud to have you represent me. As someone who works across the hall from the office you occupied during the primary, I know how hard you worked for this; you and your staff earned this hard-fought and well-deserved win. Keep up the great work! When can we buy “It’s Tester Time” t-shirts?
Best wishes for a long and successful run as a US Senator from the Last Best Place!
November 8th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Congratulations from Bozeman!
Yours is the first campaign that Lori and I have ever volunteered for and it won’t be the last. Your victory has been a lesson to us and our children that a single vote can make the difference. The stakes could not have been higher.
I have one small but very important request sir.
You must work to restore Habeas Corpus and our other precious rights that have been so easily and carelessly squandered for the illusion of safety.
Restore this countries real treasure, its liberties, and in doing so you will restore us higher moral ground from which we can try to lead by example.
Free men should fear nothing more than the loss of freedom.
November 8th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
I am a teacher in California, and I was proud to discover your tenure as a teacher. Organic and natural farming, fighting for the small business owner and protecting the middle class are all “A” grades in my book. I’m happy to see your words are not rhetoric, but plans of real action for hard-working people. My hope now is that your will is steely, and that those hardline lobbyists will not have their way with your “common man” agenda.
November 8th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Contrats!!! Good luck from Michigan.
November 8th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
First of all, I wouldn’t be a real Montanan if I didn’t congratulate you on a hard-fought victory. Congratulations.
I hope that you really do get this email, eventually. I live in Greenough, Montana – a “Don’t blink” community on the 200 east of Missoula.
I voted for Conrad burns because he was the NRA designated pick, and because I traditionally believe in fiscal conservatives while being more of a social democrat.
While being born Stateside, I was raised in Southern Alberta from the time I was 18 months old. I am a dual citizen who has always had a deep love and appreciation for Montana.
I believe that overthrowing Saddam Hussein was a good thing.
I believe my 2nd amendment rights are in danger under Nancy Pelosi.
I believe that many Democrats are guilty of putting our National Security at risk by their behavior – and I am not speaking about their 1st amendment rights.
I do not believe that you are with such Democrats. I view you as a man of Family and Conscience – working for his constituents for change.
I am one of those constituents… as is my wife. I have two small boys that I would very much like to never have to know what it is like to grow up outside of Montana.
My Grandfather helped take Omaha Beach in WWII.
Two of my Uncles served in Viet Nam.
I will pray for you, and the new Senate leadership. I believe in America, unlike some whom base their belief on who is in power and who is not.
You see, Mr. Tester, a good part of my life living in Canada was spent defending places like Montana, and the Unites States as a whole.
I’d like to help you with a more Progressive Conservative perspective if you are interested.
Please give me a reason for saying: “Man, I sure am glad Jon Tester won in spite of my vote.”
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Steve Davis.
November 8th, 2006 at 4:54 pm
From California, much love! Best of luck and many congratulations, Senator…
November 8th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Congratulations Senator T ! It was a long night but the entire country finally is coming to their senses. You will make us proud ( You already have !!!) and We have faith you will be a voice to get us out of Iraq and back to improving the lives of people here and abroad. If we can be helpful in the future you know all you have to do is call. Way to go from 2 of your Missoula supporters!
November 8th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
Congratulations!!I am building a home in Livingstonsummer of 07 and will become a permanent and politically involved citizen. I feel comforted that you are one of my legislators. Please help get us out of the dreadful mess we now are in.
Karen K
November 8th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Let me congratulate you on a wonderful victory! I am a big supporter of yours from West Virginia and look forward to the vitality, common sense and concern for the average person that you will bring to the Senate. You represent the best of the Democratic Party that I love so much, but which has too often not recruited and supported great candidates like yourself. You have many people around the country that admire the Hell out of you for pulling off a victory. I look forward to visiting Montana someday. It is such a beautiful state and the folks seem to be just as friendly and down-to-earth as they are here in West Virginia. Congratulations!
November 8th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Hello and Congratulations from Minnesota!! I was one of your small out of state contributors and I am very proud of the race in your great state! I hope that there are no major problems from Sen. Burns. I look to the Rocky Mountain States for alot of the new talent in our party and clearly Jon Tester has shown the way! Thank You All So Much and the best of luck with the transition. Your victory almost makes up for my being stuck with the same Governor here in Minnesota after working so hard to get Mike Hatch elected. Great Job and On to Washington!
November 8th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
As DNC Chair Howard Dean would say, “Yeaaaaaarrrrghhhhh!!!” It really is Tester Time!
Congratulations Senator Elect Tester, you have done us all proud.
November 8th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
You didnt just win Montana Jon; all around the world friends called me at 9 this morning to talk about the Senator from Montana; who has just earned himself an incredibly emotionally charged seat in history. Seeing the voters in even such a conservative state as Montana stand up for real change in Washington and therefore in American policy around the world………. we have goosebumps here…… such a hard won battle but one that highlights the intensity of the struggle of the last 6 years for those of us here in NYC who truly know the meaning of shock and awe…. we are proud, we are Americans, and today, we are Montanans also. What a fantastic thing for the country, for the world……. thanks for such inspiration that we can somehow get past this long national nightmare together!
November 8th, 2006 at 5:46 pm
Congratulations from London!
I’m a Labour Party member and councillor. Most of my friends had no sleep last watching your elections - and the news just got better and better
Hold on in there in Montana and Virginia - I’d love to come over and help the Democrat Candidate in 2008
best wishes,
Bill
November 8th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Yay! Montanans did the right thing! We look forward to the next six years of good governance.
November 8th, 2006 at 5:53 pm
Congrats! I am so glad the Senate will look more like the real Montana!
November 8th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Congratulations John! I knew from the moment I met you for the first time more than a year ago at the Pearl Jam concert, that you had what it took to become the next Montana senator. Now lets get to Washington and get some stuff done.
November 8th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Congratulations to the Tester campaign! And way to go, Stephanie. You have the power.
November 8th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Congratulations on pulling through for your out of state freinds. I am sure with your leadership this state will be turned into a california in no time. What a sad day in our state to have a Honorable Senator and Veteran like Conrad Burns lose to a person such as yourself.
November 8th, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Congratulations Jon! Thank you for being a gentleman and running a clean campaign. I actually didn’t cringe when your ads came on TV. I would also like to thank you for remembering the little guy out here. I am a single mother (widow) trying to raise a child with no health insurance and large student loans to pay back. I know there are more deserving people out there and we all have a story, but it seems people like me are left to slip through the cracks. I honestly don’t think you will let that happen!! I believe in you and what you stand for!
November 8th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Congrats Jon! It was a privilege to help out on your campaign. All Montanans should be proud to have you as a Senator — one who will never put the big-moneyed corporate lobbyists ahead of us.
Let’s bring oversight and accountability back to the Senate!
November 8th, 2006 at 7:13 pm
Congrats from Texas! I’ve seen your commercials on YouTube and have been following your campaign the last week or so. Way to go! Trust me, you’ve got supporters far outside of Montana, too.
And no matter what they say in DC, keep the haircut!
November 8th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
Senator Tester , I believe that you will represent Montana for the great state that it is. You have what it takes. You will make a positive difference. I know it. Best of luck.
November 8th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
I’m not from Montana but residing here in Great Falls, MT. I would like to Congrats JON Tester for this achievement!!!! I’m praying to see a better Montana in the hand of Jon Tester and let’s all work together for better!!!
JOn! thank you in advance for your efforts to make a better Montana!!!!
November 8th, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Congratulations! best of luck from Rhode Island!
November 8th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
Good Job,
It’s about time someone got that old SOB out of the senate. I’m not a democrat or republican but it’s good to see the people of the United States voting to get the corrupt individuals out of office. I’m just disappointed that the race was that close.
Good Luck and stay away from people that go by the name of Jack. (unless its a drink)
November 8th, 2006 at 8:14 pm
The great state of Montana should be proud of their huge contribution to a new direction in this nation and in the democratic party.
Congratulations from Washington State!
November 8th, 2006 at 8:17 pm
Congratulations! My daughter attends the UM, Missoula, and I spend a lot of time in Montana. Even though I’m a Massachusetts resident, I spend a lot of time in Montana, including last summer when I worked at the Orphan Girl Theatre in Butte. During that time, I became interested in your campaign. You’ve got the right idea - this country needs a kick in the ass, and trust me, being from Mass., we know when something needs a kick in the ass! Good luck, work hard, and don’t forget the people who put you where you are today!
November 8th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
Congratulations Senator Tester from St. Louis, MO–it’s so refreshing to see a Democrat who stands up for what he believes and doesn’t just toe the party line. What fresh energy you will bring to the Senate!
November 8th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
I am so happy to see a music major and former high school teacher win the US Senate. The great state of Montana is so lucky to have you represent them. I have a Ph.D. in Philosophy and I teach youngsters how to think and study as a private tutor.
NYC jumped for joy when you won. Please help save our country by repealing the Patriot Act.
November 8th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
From little Rhode Island to the man from Big Sky country:
Congratulations Senator! Thanks for giving us hope once again. Try to get those wind farms to sprout up all over our nation. I’m getting a flat top tomorrow in your honor.
November 8th, 2006 at 9:02 pm
Congratulation Jon! I am pleased that you won the race and won for Montana! I am pleased also, that you will be supporting and pushing the bill for the Native Americans of Montana to be settled quick and soon. Its been ten years in the waiting and I know you won’t sweep this bill under the rug. Thank you for being on our side and for being a real Montanian.
November 8th, 2006 at 9:03 pm
We in Upstate New York are proud of John Tester and are particularly impressed with his accomplishment. Congratulations to all the Democrats and Republicans in Montana who put their trust in his leadership and for making the message loud and clear that the people of Montana wanted change and were able to look beyond partisan policy and bad conservative leadership.
November 8th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
Congratulations Senator Elect Tester!
Your victory gives myself and hopefully many others hope that this country is turning a corner by electing a “common working man” gifted with compassion and values to help govern this wonderful country of ours.
I envy Montanans having a Senator such as yourself. Good luck from Utah!
November 8th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Way to go and God Bless you from a small town in Montana!
November 8th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
Congratulations! I’m ecstatic that you’ve won! It’ll be nice to have a down-to-earth senator in DC. May all your efforts be blessed.
November 8th, 2006 at 9:25 pm
Congratulations Mr. Tester and Montana!
I had the pleasure of meeting you, Senator Tester, face-to-face in Billings and found you to be sincere, intelligent, and a man with foresight. I hope that you will not forget about your roots in Montana and will not succumb to the temptations of power inside the beltway. I voted for you in that hope that you and others can restore our civil liberties, reconcile bipartisan pettiness, develop a conscientious plan for the restoration of order to Iraq and withdrawal of U.S. troops; hopefully, the U.S. can rebuild relationships with other nations that have been diminished. Further, I truly hope you hold to your promise to fight the corruption associated with special interest lobbying.
Again, congratulations on an amazing victory, and best of luck in D.C.!
November 8th, 2006 at 9:34 pm
Rick and I are just overjoyed! It is good to have hope again for Montana and the country. Best wishes to you and your family.
November 8th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Howdy neighbor! At least you seem like one, living less than an hour away.
We’re so proud of you, and your vision — the fact that you analyze the complexities of a question, and don’t dumb it down; also, that you don’t use that for an excuse for not giving an answer or taking action.
Knowing that you will be fiscally conservative, and that this nation must pay its bills just as you have as a business man and a farmer is comforting. Sometimes it seems the Democrat and Republican parties have switched roles, what with the Republicans calling for less local and more national control through such measures as No Child Left Behind and the Patriot Act. It’s as if we’ve finally entered an Orwellian world, where everything is the opposite of what it is stated to be.
Please remember your roots — your neighbors, and how each decision might affect them. It’s heartening to hear that you will not be the Party rubber stamp that others have been. As a private property owner, I’m hoping you can do something to help those impacted by the Monument area, as this is an issue important on a local level, and could set precedence on a national level.
Thank you always for your open mind — to listen to all the diverse opinions and ideas. Thank you for your love of Montana and belief that good things are to come, and wanting to be a part of that.
All of us in Havre send our love, our respect and our support. This is one boy who crossed the aisle to vote for a man of integrity that is glad he could be a part of effecting positive change in Montana for the sake of all our children!
November 8th, 2006 at 9:57 pm
Dear Mr. Tester,
Thank you for you and your family’s incredible personal sacrifice in running against and defeating Burns. Now we must come through by demonstrating what real and responsible representation of working class and middle class folks is all about.
And we must take back the individual rights and liberties–Habeus Corpus/Patriot Act,etc.–that have been stripped away from us during the last six years.
Thanks again,
John Palm
Belgrade, MT
November 8th, 2006 at 9:57 pm
Today we have our beloved country back … long live Tester , long live , Montana and long live the Republic!,,, HERE HERE!
November 8th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
And firefighters cheer !!!
November 8th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Congrats Jon!! I had everyone at Skyview High School in Billings rooting for you. It is good to know that Montana will start back on the right track, and will not be left in shambles for my generation to clean up. I supported you all of the way through. I attended your rally, and it would be a great honor for me to meet you as the Senator of Montana!
Once again, Congratulations on your victory, I know you will lead Montana in the right direction.
Sincerely
Stu Bertrand
November 8th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Great work John, (and Stephanie).
As a New Yorker, and Volunteer Fireman, there was little I could to do to help, But last saturday, in New Jersey I bumped into a Montanan, and told her to get home, since Tester needed her vote. She assured me she already had voted for Tester.
I wish I could have done more.
Telling firefighters they did a bad job, where did Burns learn his manners?
November 8th, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Congrats! Politically, I don’t know that I’ve ever been more proud to be a Montanan than I am right now. We know you’ll do us proud, Senator!
November 8th, 2006 at 11:09 pm
We’ve been pulling for you down here in Butte.
Thank you for running, and congratulations on your victory.
November 8th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
Congratulations on the win Mr. Tester and best of luck in the Senate. I look forward to hearing of your accomplishments. My grandfather grew up on a farm in Rising Sun, MD and he would be proud to hear of a fellow farmer in the Senate today. Honest candidates like yourself make us all proud. Take care!
November 8th, 2006 at 11:11 pm
I wish the “FIRE BURNS” folks could have been in Great Falls last night to celebrate with you…Although we were able to get some good county issues passed, the Bitterroot didn’t turn out as well for our local candidates.
We are so proud to have been able to contribute to your campaign in our way! It was great to see one of our tee shirts on stage with you (was that your niece?) on national TV for your victory speech. With our continuing efforts, Hamilton may some day truly become the “bastion of libreralism” we all would like to see. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
November 8th, 2006 at 11:20 pm
Dear Senator-elect,
During the campaign, I watched you in one of your debates with your opponent and I immediately reacted positively to your plain speaking and common sense. I said to myself..’that’s a farmer and a Democrat who restores your faith in what democracy is all about! And with Senator-elect Jim Webb’s victory in Virginia, all the American people are going to be represented in Washington for a change…not just wealthy folks who don’t need tax breaks. Good things are happening. All the best from Los Angeles!
November 8th, 2006 at 11:45 pm
As a once and future Montanan, I want to say congrats and thank you for giving me a reason to come back to our great - and getting greater all the time - state. And special thanks to my brother Matt for devoting so many months away from his dog to help win the race!
Megan (& Garth, aspiring Montanan)
November 8th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
Congratulation Jon on an important and historic victory. No matter how many times the Bushes, Cheney, or other Republican “leaders” visited the state, they still couldn’t defeat the grassroots, neighbor to neighbor, campaign.
Where is Senator Burn’s pink slip? I would like to personally deliver it to him, Bob Ney, Grover Norquist, Ralph Reed, Don Rumsfield, Dick Cheney, and George Bush.
Live true to the words in the poem “What is a Montanan?” by Norma Beatty Ashby and you will never go wrong.
November 9th, 2006 at 12:57 am
Congrats from the Swiss Tester-Clan!
November 9th, 2006 at 12:59 am
Congratulations Jon!
This is the first time I’ve gotten involved in a campaign and done more than just vote (which is obviously very important in itself). I volunteered over the last 4 days of your campaign, walking many miles to knock on many doors. I’d like to think we made a real difference by reminding your supporters to vote (some of them multiple times), but I guess I’ll never know for sure.
The victory celebration was at the Heritage Inn was a lot of fun and I met many great people, including some of your family. The celebration was fun even though we got moved into the casino, and then moved to a conference room and then moved to another conference room, and then moved to a different hotel lol.
I’m happy to say that I’m very proud of Senators Baucus and Tester, and of Governor Schweitzer. What an experience this nationwide Democratic victory has been. All of your hard work has been worth it, as now you can help heal the wounds our nation has sufferred while the republicans have recklessly controlled all three branches of government.
It’s a new day in Montana, and it’s a new day in America… It’s Tester time!
November 9th, 2006 at 1:37 am
You are with Sherrod Brown in Ohio my favourite Democrat and I stayed up all night and morning to see if you had won. I wish I had been as relaxed about it as you were on CNN. Well done Jon Tester.
Congratulations from Seattle
November 9th, 2006 at 3:13 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I have never been so proud to be a Montana resident.
I cannot tell you how many people have e-mailed me telling me how proud they are of Montana and the choice they made Nov. 7. The lines were around the block all night in Missoula for people wanting to register and vote … for you. You mean a lot to so many of us.
And, in all seriousness, I have had people write me asking why you were giving a Hawaiian “hang loose” sign in your celebration photos with Schweitzer.
And don’t lose the haircut.
November 9th, 2006 at 6:25 am
I was watching this race from all the way in Massachusetts. Congratulations on your past successes, and best wishes as you head into the future. Be great!
November 9th, 2006 at 7:18 am
JON!!! I Knew you would do it!!! I hope you do read these posts at some point (or have some staff member summarize them for you, get used to that!) I love that you have supporters all over the country and world! Check out London! I know the Paul Wellstone Comparison’s are just around the corner, but you are even better than him! You are the new face of American Leadership in this country!! And I am so proud and honored to call you a friend! Giv’em Hell in DC!
November 9th, 2006 at 7:21 am
Congratulations Jon from a Montanan in Florida.
Growing up in Helena I saw a lot of politicians but few statesmen, it is a pleasure to see that Montanans have chosen the latter. As the wife of a guy from Big Sandy I know that no matter how far you get from home you will always remember who you are and where you came from. I hope you won’t miss that howling winter wind too much. Oh, and I know you will forgive your crazy neighbors (the ones who came out publicly for Mr. Burns) .
November 9th, 2006 at 8:37 am
My heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS Jon! A working man in the United States Senate. I’m still in shock. Best wishes in your new role from Missouri.
November 9th, 2006 at 8:48 am
Janie and I are thrilled with your election! I spent over ten hours on the phones, campaigning on your behalf and am confident the time was well-spent. As a Past-President of the Montana Music Educators Association and retired Chair of the Department of Music at The University of Montana, I feel a special connection to you as a music educator. My wife and I are also in step with your visions and goals! We wish you the very best and congratulate you on your victory. It’s a new day, and we are proud to have you as one of our senators!!!
November 9th, 2006 at 8:50 am
Congrats Jon! from a Big Sandy Pioneer!! Can I bring you dinner, you both deserve to rest. You’ll be hearing from me when you are in Washington. Maybe even a visit or two. God Bless You. You will be constantly in my prayers. Lorrie
November 9th, 2006 at 9:34 am
Jon,
Thank you for working so hard! Surely as the middle class was disappearing under our current rule, I have new hope and enthusiasm that protecting that disparity won’t be the objective of American policy any more. We see such evidence in Montana and it makes us defensive and blind to the reasons, and leaves us feeling powerless. I have faith that you will bring transparency to Montana and National politics and lift us up in the process.
Thank you Tester supporters!!!
November 9th, 2006 at 9:40 am
Jon–
You took some ballsy stands and never backed down. The margin of victory was tiny , but the efffect will be huge. My kids, parents, and grandparents are proud to have you as a senator. Now get out there and represent!
November 9th, 2006 at 10:08 am
WAHOOOOO!!!!!!!
November 9th, 2006 at 10:14 am
I just wanted to Send My Deepest Congratulations on Your Win against Conrad Burns! I’ve been watching your Campaign for Office since you decided to run. I will always be glad to know that we went to the Same School & only Graduuated a year apart. 33 years is along time to be out of school for me! I hope you do as you have said bt Turning The State Of Montana around with your New Job.
Hope to see you some time in person! Your Old Friend, Eugene Farley
November 9th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
I just heard your interview on msnbc and was struck with the fact that with all the issues facing Washington health care was the first one you mentioned. It is a major concern of mine not only because I am in preretirement years but I worry for my children as well. There seems to be know easy solution to this problem but if you rely on the many voices of reason close to the ‘battle zone’ and not fall victim to the insanity in Washinton, just maybe you will beat the odds and really effect some change. Please hold my elected officials in MD accountable for their future actions on this very important issue.
November 9th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
I live in Washington State, just wondered if you had relatives in Tennessee. There are alot of Testers there. I wonder if we are related? It is pretty neat to have a senator named Tester! Good luck! It sounds like you will be a refreshing change for the better!
November 9th, 2006 at 1:51 pm
Honorable Jon Tester:
As a former resident of Bozeman, Montana and a disgruntled citizen of this nation I am thrilled and exuberant of the future we hold and especially for Montana and a new Senator that refused financial help from the DNC to support his campaign.
We need men and women such as you that understand the position the middle class is in and not a Senate full of lawyers. God Bless this Nation and for the first time in 6 years I had a great nights sleep thinking of changes we will be making in two years.
I would like to make one suggestion at this time though and that is please DO NOT support legislation that we pull out of Iraq immediately. BWGs mess has done irrepairable damage to this country that will take years to resolve. We must not leave that country is chaos and thus endangering the region.
All most makes me wish I were living in Bozeman again, we loved Montana but because of economic conditions we were forced to leave living here in Spokane now. Im very proud of you, your accomplishments and your future.
Respectfully,
Will R. Gates
November 9th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR TESTER:
THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLE ELECTION, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT BEEN IN MONTANA LONG. ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF THIS IS MY HOME. I AM PROUD THAT WE NOW HAVE AN HONEST MAN AS A SENATOR. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND ONCE AGAIN THANKS FOR RUNNING.
November 9th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Congratulations!! I am so happy with all the results of this year’s election, but your win is the cherry on top! I know you will be GREAT!
P.S. I’m an old friend of Christine’s (Hi Christine!! *I was Mike’s girlfriend*) and I stayed the night at your home once. Please give my best to all of your wonderful family! And, again, congrats!!!
November 9th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
What in the heck is going on in Montana? Why are you producing the best leaders in the country? Please reveal your secrets!
November 9th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
I was so overjoyed when I heard you declared the winner that I cried tears of joy. I knew you’d be a great senator the first time I heard you speak. The rally on November 6 in Hamilton was awesome and even though I’m disappointed that our County candidates for the legislature and Monica did not win, I am absolutely estatic that you are our new senator. There is a feeling of hope all around the country. It was definitely time for Conrad to go. I tried several times to get help from him and was stonewalled every time. Max, thank God, was there to help and now you. I’m a senior on Social Security and very interested in keeping that program in place as well as improving the Medicare program, especially the drug benefit. But that’s for later. You’ll be hearing from me.
Way to go, Senator Tester! God bless you and your family and thanks for stepping up to serve.
November 9th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Bravo Jon! Our two sons graduated from MSU Bozeman in the last few years, which is our connection to your great state. Your common sense approach is fantastic. The people of Montana are very lucky that you came forward………….you WILL make a difference………………Your interview on Hardball with Chris Matthews today was genuine…………you are too!
November 9th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
Hi Jon, Just wanted to add my congratulations to all the other good wishes. I never got the chance to meet you in person unfortunately but you’ve been so good about answering my emails and letting me know that there was someone who cared about fighting for our civil liberties. That’s something that the Republicans used to believe in but forgot along the way. As a former Republican in a Republican county (Ravalli) I am proud to go blue. Now the hard work begins to dismantle the Patriot Act, the recent habeaus corpus nonsense that was passed and also the National Animal Identification System. Also it’s about time that middle class families got some of those tax breaks that haven’t ever trickled down here so far. Take care, stay strong and God Bless,
November 9th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
Congratulations from Seattle, Senator Tester!
Here’s hoping that your service to Montana and to this country leads to progress on so many of the issues that have been neglected by the national government for years. Good luck and best wishes!
November 9th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
Congratulations Senator Tester,
From a CMR grad in a purple state. (CO) I wish the best for you and the state in the coming years.
Mansfield, Metcalf, Melcher
Baccus, Burns
Tester
?
November 9th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
SMALL CONTRIBUTOR FROM FLORIDA - CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR ELECT!!
SENATOR TESTER RECEIVED A DONATION FROM THIS FLORIDA VOTER (A registered Republican) WE ARE CERTAINLY GLAD THAT MONTANA MUST HAVE HONEST ELECTION OFFICIALS. I HATE TO SOUND CYNICAL BUT HERE IN FLORIDA MR. BURNS WOULD HAVE PROBABLY PREVAILED.
JON, PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY LIKE YOU. I AM A SMALL BUSINESSMAN WHO WAS HAPPY TO SUPPORT ANOTHER. THE MIDDLE CLASS IS READY TO COME BACK TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. TODAY I HAVE DECIDED TO CHANGE MY REGISTRATION TO DEMOCRAT; LEVEL HEADED GUYS LIKE YOU (NOT THE HAIR CUT) MOTIVATED ME TO DO THIS.
DON’T LOSE YOUR TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE, YOU MARK MY WORDS JON. I SEE YOU AS A “CONTENDER” WITHIN EIGHT YEARS.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FINE FAMILY.
November 9th, 2006 at 7:31 pm
Congrats to you, Senator Tester. I saw a clip of you on TV waiting for the results from Butte, and you appear to be real genuine and a nice guy. Good luck in Congress - start repairing America and the world!
November 9th, 2006 at 8:18 pm
Congratulations! I woke up Wednesday morning and it felt like Christmas. You ran a great campaign and you will be great for Montana.
November 9th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
My congratulations to you Senator and I eagerly await the corner we have rounded in reclaiming our Democracy for middle class America. I could not be happier either for you personally or for the constituents who you will serve with dignity and distinction.
November 9th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
Dear Senator - Elect Tester:
I am so thrilled you won the election!!! As a New Yorker and small contributor to your campaign, I finally feel hopeful for our country, something I haven’t felt in six years. In particular, I really admire your down home persona which is what Congress can use more of, believe me. You are truly a breath of fresh air - please stay that way in Washington. Good luck to you and congratulations on your victory!!
November 9th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
Honorable Jon Tester:
I just want to say Congratulations: I listened to you on Hardball tonight and I was impressed with your comments. I wish you the best in D.C. and I hope that you fight hard for the middle class. I am from North Dakota and I hope that our Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan along with you can make the Midwest proud. Montana is a great state. I love to backpack the Beartooth Mts. Make Montana proud and do your best to put this great country back on the right track.
November 9th, 2006 at 11:29 pm
Comrad Burns real conceit speech:
Bagel Says:
November 8th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
I’m very dissapointed that you won, makes me loose faith in my fellow Montanans. I’m glad to see everyone out of state is glad that you won, maybe you could work to help Montana though and not them. You’ll probably jump on the bandwagon and follow others in your party and ignore what is best for MT.
Jon, I watched you on Hardball and Anderson 360. Excelent job. Montana now is true blue… Good luck in D.C. and Stand Proud!
November 9th, 2006 at 11:44 pm
Congratulations from a fan in Wisconsin who’s never been to Montana but supports family farmers (especially organic ones!), the environment, and fair government. Go Jon!!
November 10th, 2006 at 9:59 am
It is a great day for America and the world!! Down here in Missouri we are thrilled to see a Senator with honesty and integrity, which we haven’t been fortunate enough to have since the terrible untimely death of soon-to-be Senator Mel Carnahan two weeks before his election to the Senate several years back (please hire your own airplane mechanic, Jon!). I have finally regained some rest after staying up 40 hours straight glued to the internet for Montana election results…but I am not surprised that the patriotic people of Montana came through to say NO to corruption and YES to integrity and a future for our country. Now let’s move forward quickly on alternative energy in order to create 3 million living-wage jobs, end our addiction to oil, generate peace on earth, and save the human race as a bonus (see www.apolloalliance.org). And don’t forget to rescue our Constitution by repealing the “Patriot” Act and reviving habeas corpus! We are all counting on you, Senator Tester…..thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
“Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?”
-President Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861.
November 10th, 2006 at 10:02 am
CONGRATS!!!!!!!
We are SO happy you won and are going to Washington to “make it look a little more like Montana”, you were the best choice from the beginning, I for one had to stay up all night, go to work the next day and try to monitor the polls from my office:) Hope the next one is a little less stressful! Thanks to all of your family for going through with this tough race, it must feel good to be successful!
WHOOO HOOOOO
November 10th, 2006 at 10:14 am
From the heart of Texas to the heart of Montana, people here who have common sense are happy for you, and looking for a “Texas Tester” to give mr cornyn a bad case of the “burns.”
Oh yeah, compared to Billings Ill bet traffic in DC will be a pain in the butt, but you’ll get use to this “speed limit” thing you’ve been hearing about, its really not that bad!
November 10th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Congratulations on your win! I have the feeling that you will make us all proud before the next six years are over. Your appearance on the Chris Matthews show last night was great!! I know that we will see you there again. Best wishes from Ohio.
November 10th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Congratulations on winning, Senator Tester. We need more people like you in government. I’m not even sure if anyone’s proposed one, but please, please, please, please support a national redistricting guideline. I want to be certain that my vote counts - no shenanigans, no more gerrymandering. Honest elections should be something everyone can get behind, right?
November 10th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. Although it has been almost a decade since I left the Big Sky state, my heart will always be there. Montanas are honest, caring, hard working people and they deserve to have someone in Congress who mirrors how truly wonderful they are.
November 10th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Congratulations!!!! I know it was a hard row to hoe, but you did it. I hope that the newly-elected Senate Democrat majority has the wisdom to not seek revenge on the Republicans for any real or perceived policy failures. The Democrats must demonstrate a willingness to work together with Republicans and the President–and to compromise on some issues–or we will lose this hard won battle in 2008. Let us go forward in good faith that we can work in a bipartisan fashion. Let this new Congress be reinvigorated with sound ethics, principles and honesty. Again, good luck Jon!!!
November 11th, 2006 at 1:22 pm
I believe Jon Tester is the New face of the Democratic party !
Jon I’m so very proud of you and how you conducted your campaign.
Your presence in the United States Senate will serve to bring humility and a sense of patriotism back to that branch of Our Government.
Good Luck and God Bless you Jon !
November 13th, 2006 at 9:02 am
Congratulations, Jon
November 19th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Great Day! Congratulations Jon Tester, and thank you for taking the high road during your campaign. In an arena where the mudslinging never stops, you proceeded with grace, humility and candor. I remain your stalwart supporter & expect great things to come! God Bless!
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:53 pm
A Belated Congratulations, From a Midwesterner. I knew somehow you could beat the mean-spirited incumbent. And Sto Lat (pronounced stoh laht), Boze Blogoslawe (pronounced bowzhhah bowogohswavay), Wesloych Swiat (pronounced vehsoulyek schveeoout), Bozego Narodzenie (pronounced bowzhaygo nahrohdjenny), Szczsliwego Nowego Roku (pronounced shichislevaygoh novaygoh rohkoo). Just ask maybe your new collegues Mikulski and/or Murkowski what that means, You’ll appreciate it, Believe me. And the pig symbol looked like my old dog Lulu, Especially after she had the 6 pups.
December 1st, 2006 at 1:26 pm
Congratulations! Yes, I’m an ex-republican turned non-partisan (I vote for the best person, not by party dogma but by the candidates views). Although I’m from Hawaii, I commend your views and pary that you and other “conservative democrats” will forget party and do the rite thing for ALL Americans. God bless you and your stand on the 2nd ammendment. I salute you sir and stand shoulder to shoulder with you on the 2nd most important right in the land, the right to keep and bear arms AND it’s correct interpretation. Best of luck!