by Chris Clancy, Hamilton
I seldom go to political rallies, but attended a talk by Jon Tester this weekend in the Bitterroot. I make a point of standing in line to talk to him, because I respect the man. There is also some nostalgia, as he knew my father and each time we speak he brings up that his mother and my father were friends in college. Jon and I grew up about 35 miles apart, he on a Big Sandy farm and me in Havre.
I am retired, but in my work, I met many farmers and ranchers. While no group of people are all the same, I learned to respect the intelligence, honesty and decency of most folks who worked the land for a living. Jon Tester has those qualities. Unlike his opponent, he has the disadvantage of having a voting record. Politicians often have to vote for legislation while plugging their nose due to complicated details they are not wild about. Both candidates are stuck in a political system where huge amounts of money are needed to effectively run for office. I don’t hold that fact against either of them.
Both Tester and his competitor have somewhat famous injuries. Jon’s story about losing some fingers in a meatgrinder has not changed. His opponent can’t seem to get his story straight about how he was shot in the arm. I am sure he remembers! If he’s not honest about the little things…
Kevin O'Brien says
Tester has dust in his lengthy political career. As hard as he tries to blow it off it smells awful.
Jim Parker says
So what’s your reaction to the slime slide in Sheehy’s short political career Kevin? Have you noticed He and his handlers haven’t even bothered to try and blow it off.
Kevin O'Brien says
Sheehy is a winner. Lots of Veteran dust on him, especially in that Desert.
Carlotta Grandstaff says
Thank you Chris for your letter. To your memories, let me add that my support for Jon Tester is more tied in to the here and now. My husband is a Vietnam veteran who was badly and permanently injured in that war. We’ve turned to Sen. Tester many times over the years for help in navigating the VA health care system. Jon has a dedicated veterans issues staffer named Chad Campbell, based in Kalispell. Both Jon and Chad have been incredibly helpful to us through the years. In addition, we’re grateful to Jon for the fantastic veterans’ clinic in Missoula and the great medical team there, and now for the new clinic being built in Hamilton. We’ve been in near despair worrying that Jon Tester, the great veterans’ advocate, might not be there for us. Please, if you support veterans, support the man who supports them. Montana’s veterans need their champion in the Senate.