Jon Tester for U.S. Senate

Women deserve the right to full health-care coverage, just like men.

When I saw an opportunity to bring equality and fairness to women, I didn’t sit back and wait - I took action. Every family should have the basic right to make decisions about their future, and every woman should have access to the prescriptions she needs. It’s that simple.

NARAL-Pro Choice Montana called my request “a courageous stand.”

Here’s what happened: Last November, I asked Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath to evaluate and render an opinion on insurance coverage for contraception, especially when those plans cover Viagra and other prescriptions for men.

Attorney General McGrath today agreed, saying that equality for women matters:

“As with Title VII, Montana case law demonstrates that because pregnancy is unique to women, differential treatment related to pregnancy and related medical conditions such as gynecological visits, is discrimination on the basis of sex, and is prohibited.”

[Click here to read the the press release.]
[Click here to read the whole Attorney General’s opinion.]

Equality also begins with respect and open, accountable government. When politicians cut back-room deals and close out the public interest, everyone on the outside loses. We’ve all heard the stories about Conrad Burns’ dealings with lobbyists like Jack Abramoff–closing the door to Montanans in favor of the special interests.

You and I both know that Burns is no friend when it comes to women’s issues.

That’s why I’m running for the U.S. Senate–to represent the needs of all Montanans, not the special interests and corporate lobbyists.

That’s the kind of leadership I will bring to Washington–fighting and winning on the issues that matter most to us as Montanans.

I have a proven record of taking action for Montanans- supporting families, delivering prescription drugs for seniors, a better funding plan for our schools, a comprehensive energy strategy to cut our addiction to foreign oil, and economic incentives to create jobs in every corner of Montana.

Can I count on you to help me fight to make a difference for women and families all across this nation? Today, we need your help to hit our fundraising target before the March 31 deadline. I need you to volunteer and a make a contribution of $50, $100, $250 or whatever you can today.

http://www.testerforsenate.com/contribute/

Together we can send Conrad Burns home and restore real family values in Washington.

Thank you for all that you do,

Jon Tester

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Jon was in Missoula last night for a fundraiser and a meeting with students at the University of Montana. New West has the story–Jon spoke with a large, enthusiastic crowd for over an hour.

And surveys still say Conrad Burns is still the most unpopular senator in the country. New Survey USA numbers put Burns at 38%. Conrad Burns has the lowest approval rating and the lowest net approval rating in the country. Watch the numbers take a nosedive at Survey USA’s website.

The netroots have been an important part of the Tester campaign from the beginning. Since Jon’s filing, blogs have highlighted the race, responding to Jon’s call for real representation in Washington, D.C.

Bob Brigham at MyDD recently wrote about the race calling it “the perfect opportunity” for the netroots to display their strength. His post highlights Jon’s record of accomplishment and the unique opportunity we have here in Montana to change the face of Washington, D.C.

Swing by MyDD for the whole story.

Today’s Helena IR features a letter to the editor from Neal Ullman. From the letter:

As a farmer, former teacher, and president of the Montana Senate, Jon is one of few people who wake up everyday wondering what they can do better to help their family, community, and state. Jon??s dedication to his family and state are the values we need representing us in Washington. As scandal after scandal boils out of Washington, it??s more and more clear that we need a fresh perspective to end the petty bickering.

To write your own letter to the editor, you can consult the Montana Democratic Party website for newspaper contact information and formatting suggestions.