Jon Tester for U.S. Senate

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Montana Democrats gathered in Helena this weekend for the 28th Annual Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner, remembering two great U.S. Senators from Montana. Democrats attended meetings, trainings and social events over the weekend, gearing up to defeat Conrad Burns and win other races across the state in November.

The legacy of Lee Metcalf and Mike Mansfield is a legacy of ensuring our government is open to serve everyone. Both men truly held their office in the public trust–fighting each day to help people in need. Senator Max Baucus carries these values for Montanans today in the Senate, working for Montanans from all walks of life.

Unfortunately, Montana’s Junior Senator Conrad Burns closed the door on these values long ago, choosing to serve big-money lobbyists in Washington D.C. instead of his constituents here at home.

It’s time to end the pay-to-play game in Washington D.C. and Jon Tester is the one who can do it. In a video presented to dinner attendees, Jon shared his vision and values, stating,

“Growing up on a farm, I learned to work hard, have faith, love our country and support family and community. Those are lessons we all teach our children, and it’s a message Montana can teach America.”

Jon’s video really pumped up the crowd in the ballroom. Applause interrupted the speech a number of times and Jon heard many positive comments afterword. Tester closed strong, stating,

“I may not look like the rest of the Senate, but maybe it’s time that the rest of the Senate looked a little more like Montana.”

Check back soon for an update, we hope to post a copy of Jon’s video here on TesterTime and on the campaign website in the near future.

The energy for Jon’s campaign spilled outside the Helena Civic Center to a honk-and-wave across the street. Thanks go out to our campaign volunteers and Students for Tester for braving the cold to spread the word about Jon’s campaign.

Before the dinner and program, Jon had the opportunity to chat with Laura Flanders of Air America Radio about his campaign. Their interview is available to subscribers at Air America Premium.

And, Governor Schweitzer and Jag stopped by to talk issues with Laura near the tail end of Jon’s interview.

Overall, it was a very encouraging weekend for the campaign. Jon met Democrats from every corner of the state and talked about important issues to bring back to Washington, D.C.

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Here in Montana, honesty matters. It’s my firm belief that if you can’t keep your word to the people, you can’t keep your office.

That’s why I called for Conrad Burns to resign from the U.S. Senate today.

From the beginning, his dealings with Jack Abramoff haven’t passed the smell test. It smells like a barnyard that needs a clean up.

I think it’s time to clean up Washington, D.C., and we should start with Conrad Burns.

Everything we know about Conrad Burns’ dealings with Jack Abramoff fly in the face of his public statements on the matter. As I travel the state talking about my vision for Montana and America Republicans and Democrats alike think Conrad just isn’t telling the truth.

And today’s news was the last straw.

As you probably already know, Abramoff is quoted in the April issue of Vanity Fair, saying,

“Every appropriation we wanted [from Burns’s committee] we got. Our staffs were as close as they could be. They practically used Signatures as their cafeteria. I mean, it’s a little difficult for him to run from that record.”

The trouble is, Montanans can’t run from Conrad’s record either. The worst thing about Conrad Burns’ behavior is that while Jack Abramoff got everything he wanted, average Montanans had to do without what we need: affordable health care, a sensible plan for energy independence, and a government in Washington we can trust.

That’s why I’m running for the United States Senate, and that’s why I think it’s time that Conrad Burns faces the music and steps down from his office.

If you think it’s time to break up Washington’s game of pay-to-play politics, sign up for free email updates from the campaign. Our efforts are fueled by ideas and the contributions of regular people like you. If you’re able, visit our ActBlue page today and make a contribution to the campaign.

Thank you for all that you do,

Jon Tester

From the Hotline:

Vanity Fair’s David Margolick has interviewed Jack Abramoff, and everything — everything –is on the table.

We’ll post excerpts throughout the morning, but here’s what the lobbyist says about Sen. Conrad Burns: “Every appropriation we wanted [from Burns’s committee] we got. Our staffs were as close as they could be. They practically used Signatures as their cafeteria. I mean, it’s a little difficult for him to run from that record.”

Signatures is an upscale restaurant once owned by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Funny story, now that Jack has shut down the staff cafeteria line at Signatures, the restaurant is taking suggestions for a new name. Keep in mind–this isn’t just a hot dog stand or a pork chop sandwich shop–we’re talking about an all you can eat pork buffet.

Got any ideas?