Burns vrs Tester

[GOKATS]

The race will end
Burns 60%
Tester 40%

The race on the BobcatNation.com board may end up that way. But not the one in November.

Schweitzer
Baucus
Tester

BeST we've had in a long, long time.

The gov is good until the next election, but hasn't done anything good or bad for the State so far. It'll depend on who decides to run against him.

Baucus has spent way too much time in D.C. , but gets re-elected because of longevity and key comm. assignments.

Burns will win re-election to the Senate. (Testers goodie goodie image will turn into a flat top dough boy image) . Burns has clout in D.C. and the folks in Montana realize it.

Last night on the news I heard a reference to Mike Mansfield, a truely great statesman from Montana. The reason Mansfield was successful is because he had "Seniority".

Facts are facts. Montana is a huge state represented by two Sen's. and one Rep.

My political slant is obvious, and there is no way I would ever vote for Baucus, unless I thought it was the best move for Montana (and I have voted for him because of that fact).

Burns and his fellow Montana comrades do well to represent the constituency, and Burns has done very in getting appropriations headed to MSU.

[grizbeer]

Forgive me, but what is Tester's association with Pearl Jam??? I missed a major link in this...

Tester taught the drummer(?) for Pearl Jam when he was in high school in Big Sandy. Kid also played point guard for the Pioneers and they beat the crap out of Winifred when BAC was playing for the Red Raiders See how rumors get started?

I thought it was the base guitarist Jeff Ament (sp?) and that he worked on the ranch neighboring Testers. He didn't say anything about being taught art by Tester last night on the news.

Okay, to clarify some of this; John Tester taught music to the original drummer and eventual guitarist for Pearl Jam, Jeff Ament. Who says teachers, coaches and administrators in public schools can't make a difference in their students lives and perhaps this is the main reason I'm such a fan of what Tester is doing...plus, although I'm not a big fan of Pearl Jam, I like seeing their success. Anyway, call all your buds from Big Sandy if you've still got any questions...I just did

Actually the reason why Pearl jam will be an issue in this campaign is they held a concert in Missoula last August as a fund raiser for Tester's Senate campaign. He directly tied himself to PJ politics, and they to his. Here is an article about it:
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005 ... /ent01.txt

Everyone who bought tickets and went to the show had to register as a campaign contributor. And while having PJ as your supporter might help with the 18 - 30 year old camp, realistically you were going to get that support anyways, so you aren't adding much to your base.

Certainly PJ politics are much more radical and leftist than Tester, who would appear to be a middle of the road kind of guy, but all is fair in love and politics, and after the concert it will be easy for Burns to say Tester will get his marching orders from Hollywood, Howard Dean, and the Liberal Elite. He would be foolish not to put Tester on the defense early and often. Morrison couldn't really afford to alienate the liberal wing of the democratic party in the primary, Burns doesn't have to worry about that.

[Ponycat]

Actually the reason why Pearl jam will be an issue in this campaign is they held a concert in Missoula last August as a fund raiser for Tester's Senate campaign. He directly tied himself to PJ politics, and they to his. Here is an article about it:
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005 ... /ent01.txt

Everyone who bought tickets and went to the show had to register as a campaign contributor. And while having PJ as your supporter might help with the 18 - 30 year old camp, realistically you were going to get that support anyways, so you aren't adding much to your base.

Certainly PJ politics are much more radical and leftist than Tester, who would appear to be a middle of the road kind of guy, but all is fair in love and politics, and after the concert it will be easy for Burns to say Tester will get his marching orders from Hollywood, Howard Dean, and the Liberal Elite. He would be foolish not to put Tester on the defense early and often. Morrison couldn't really afford to alienate the liberal wing of the democratic party in the primary, Burns doesn't have to worry about that.

I could be wrong, but my take is anyone who bases there vote on who a rock band supports probably aren't registered to vote.

[catsrback76]

Forgive me, but what is Tester's association with Pearl Jam??? I missed a major link in this...

Tester taught the drummer(?) for Pearl Jam when he was in high school in Big Sandy. Kid also played point guard for the Pioneers and they beat the crap out of Winifred when BAC was playing for the Red Raiders See how rumors get started?

I thought it was the base guitarist Jeff Ament (sp?) and that he worked on the ranch neighboring Testers. He didn't say anything about being taught art by Tester last night on the news.

Okay, to clarify some of this; John Tester taught music to the original drummer and eventual guitarist for Pearl Jam, Jeff Ament. Who says teachers, coaches and administrators in public schools can't make a difference in their students lives and perhaps this is the main reason I'm such a fan of what Tester is doing...plus, although I'm not a big fan of Pearl Jam, I like seeing their success. Anyway, call all your buds from Big Sandy if you've still got any questions...I just did

Actually the reason why Pearl jam will be an issue in this campaign is they held a concert in Missoula last August as a fund raiser for Tester's Senate campaign. He directly tied himself to PJ politics, and they to his. Here is an article about it:
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005 ... /ent01.txt

Everyone who bought tickets and went to the show had to register as a campaign contributor. And while having PJ as your supporter might help with the 18 - 30 year old camp, realistically you were going to get that support anyways, so you aren't adding much to your base.

Certainly PJ politics are much more radical and leftist than Tester, who would appear to be a middle of the road kind of guy, but all is fair in love and politics, and after the concert it will be easy for Burns to say Tester will get his marching orders from Hollywood, Howard Dean, and the Liberal Elite. He would be foolish not to put Tester on the defense early and often. Morrison couldn't really afford to alienate the liberal wing of the democratic party in the primary, Burns doesn't have to worry about that.

I predict a Burns victory only because the older voters in the state will vote his senority on the appropriations committee that gets them their $$$. The younger voters won't out vote them.
On Tester, I'm sorry but I doubt that Big Sandy farmer sits around the lodge listening to Pearl Jam tunes. He is ONLY using PJ because of the bass player who is from Big Sandy. He could give a rip about their music and he only likes their politics because they will play a gig for him and send him the check.

Wow-- do I seem skeptical today or what? Brad where are you?

[catamaran]

Will staunch Democrats "boo" when Harry Reid comes to stump for Tester this summer? How about Howard Dean "Yeah-hoo"

Harry Reid has actually voted in favor of an Abramoff client days after receiving a donation. Funny how this one missed the alphabet networks. Plus, The Oregonian has yet to print this article.

Reid Aided Abramoff Clients, Records Show

While Abramoff never directly donated to Reid, the lobbyist did instruct one tribe, the Coushattas, to send $5,000 to Reid's tax- exempt political group, the Searchlight Leadership Fund, in 2002. About the same time, Reid sent a letter to the Interior Department helpful to the tribe, records show.

Nationally this Abramoff story has fizzled out because of how many were involved, mostly in a legal manner. Odd that Tester would lead with it. It must be all he has to offer.

He also has the distinction of being the number 2 money getter from the Abrahmoff camp

[iaafan]

Pearl Jam will have little to do with this election. The big thing is that Tester is a Montanan's Montanan. He's from Montana, Burns is from Missouri. Tester actually farms, Burns is a politician, who pretends to be a country boy. In other words, Tester is for real, Burns is an act.

The biggest and most overwhelming issue will be honesty. Tester has a record of honesty, Burns doesn't in the eyes of the average (swing)voters. Maybe nothing has been proven against him yet, but the average Joe thinks he's a crook. That's what this election will boil down to because that's the topic that's most riveting. Pearl Jam won't trump honesty. If Burns can't turn the tide of Abramoff (Burns is the No. 1 guy on the Abramoff list right now), he won't win. Burns biggest asset is that he's brought in a lot of money, but all the pork in the world won't save him right now. Right now people are wondering is he did so honestly or if it's all tainted.

[HelenaCat95]

Pearl Jam will have little to do with this election. The big thing is that Tester is a Montanan's Montanan. He's from Montana, Burns is from Missouri. Tester actually farms, Burns is a politician, who pretends to be a country boy. In other words, Tester is for real, Burns is an act.

The biggest and most overwhelming issue will be honesty. Tester has a record of honesty, Burns doesn't in the eyes of the average (swing)voters. Maybe nothing has been proven against him yet, but the average Joe thinks he's a crook. That's what this election will boil down to because that's the topic that's most riveting. Pearl Jam won't trump honesty. If Burns can't turn the tide of Abramoff (Burns is the No. 1 guy on the Abramoff list right now), he won't win. Burns biggest asset is that he's brought in a lot of money, but all the pork in the world won't save him right now. Right now people are wondering is he did so honestly or if it's all tainted.

Finally you and I agree on something in this race. I do think that the overwhelming issue will be honesty. Tester will go after Burns ties to Abramoff, and Burns will go after Tester's record vs. rhetoric (they don't always match up - Schweitzer is already in this morning's paper saying that Tester is more conservative than he is - what? Tester portrayed himself in the primary as the progressive/liberal. Will the real Tester please stand up). It won't take a "rocket surgeon" to figure out their campaign strategies. But either way, you are correct in that part of your statement about honesty.

I don't know if the "average Joe thinks he's a crook" or not - but we agree that it (politics) is about perception. If the perception is that he it tainted, then it will hurt him.

What Burns needs to do is spend every waking moment here in Montana meeting and greeting. It is damn near impossible to walk away from Conrad after chatting with him for 5-10 minutes and not like the guy. The "average Joe" may not agree with him, but when the "average Joe" likes someone, it is harder to paint that person as a "crook".

Slightly off topic - but politically I think the worst thing that could happen to Schweitzer (and I'm not a fan of his), would be Tester winning the Senate race, and the D's taking over the MT House and Senate. Schweitzer's political strength is having someone to beat on. That's what he did against Burns in 2000. It's what he did in 2004 (tieing Bob Brown to Judy Martz), and that is what he is doing currently. If his party is completely in control of Montana politics, then the question will turn to what he has accomplished. He does have some success to point to, but he has built his short political career on having a "dragon to slay" and the worst thing for him is to become someone else's dragon. And believe me, when cracks begin to show in his armor those that he has run over in his quick climb up the ladder will be the first to turn on him.
just my two cents on that

[iaafan]

Aww, c'mon. What did we ever disagree on?

I'm not a big fan of Schweitzer either. Is this the beginning of something special?

[HelenaCat95]

Aww, c'mon. What did we ever disagree on?

I'm not a big fan of Schweitzer either. Is this the beginning of something special?

lol

[coachouert]

I'm glad to see Conrad's campaign's biggest concern and point so far has been attacking Tester's haircut. He has his radio and tv ads that focus basically on Tester's buzz cut. Granted they do throw in the "would have voted against the gay marriage ban" and " thinks flag burning should be a constitional right" quips but the entire damn thing is about him getting a haircut and not leaving a tip etc. Maybe someone in Burns' camp should inform them that this isn't a high school election and focus on something with substance. I don't normally like to dive into politics, but this just seems rigodamndiculous to me, especially since the election isn't until November. Hopefully they attack Tester's missing fingers next.

Earlier this week, the NRSC released both a television and radio ad centered on Tester's trademark buzz cut. Both are set in a fictional barbershop and feature the punch line: "Conservative haircut. Liberal values."

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/p ... 60320/1002

[G.W.Bush]

You have to admit, this is kind of a funny quote "Conservative haircut. Liberal values."

[Cat Grad]

I'm glad to see Conrad's campaign's biggest concern and point so far has been attacking Tester's haircut. He has his radio and tv ads that focus basically on Tester's buzz cut. Granted they do throw in the "would have voted against the gay marriage ban" and " thinks flag burning should be a constitional right" quips but the entire damn thing is about him getting a haircut and not leaving a tip etc. Maybe someone in Burns' camp should inform them that this isn't a high school election and focus on something with substance. I don't normally like to dive into politics, but this just seems rigodamndiculous to me, especially since the election isn't until November. Hopefully they attack Tester's missing fingers next.

Earlier this week, the NRSC released both a television and radio ad centered on Tester's trademark buzz cut. Both are set in a fictional barbershop and feature the punch line: "Conservative haircut. Liberal values."

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/p ... 60320/1002

...some of you were making fun of me for predicting last week that the choice of music and the haircut would be all Burn's camp would have the creativity to attack Tester on Should not get Elizabeth Dole involved in western politics Probably wind up with Tester's wife coming across with something along the lines of no need for viagra from my man--he's the real thing; anyway, this will be fascinating to watch

[Cat Grad]

If Burns wants to start slinging mud, all he has to do is show pictures of Tester and his wife at the Hays Pow Wow wearing--my gawd--Fizzlie Sweatshirts

[iaafan]

You have to admit, this is kind of a funny quote "Conservative haircut. Liberal values."

This looks more like a Tester slogan, than a Burns slogan. In that Tester has something for everyone and Burns is strictly Conservative. Thanks Conrad. Tester's a conservative guy with some liberal values...what a concept.

But Burns slogan on his placard says something like "Burns Delivers for Montana." Whenever I see it I think, "Burns Delivers for Abramoff." I'm sure I'm not alone. The Dems have done a good job of making Burns and Abramoff synonimous.

[coachouert]

...some of you were making fun of me for predicting last week that the choice of music and the haircut would be all Burn's camp would have the creativity to attack Tester on Should not get Elizabeth Dole involved in western politics Probably wind up with Tester's wife coming across with something along the lines of no need for viagra from my man--he's the real thing; anyway, this will be fascinating to watch

I just see it as kind of sad that the focus of their campaign is his damn haircut. I've seen high school student council elections with more substance. I agree it will be interesting to watch this all play out. The Tribune article said Tester was taping his own barbershop so that should be interesting as well.

On a side note, you made my stomach churn with the whole viagra thing. I have a horrible image that will be burned into my memory until i can drink it off later!

[grizbeer]

I agree it is a stupid campaign issue, but since Tester made it an issue for his campaign:

Tester Launches Television Ad Campaign — “Creating a Buzz”
May 9th, 2006

Help Us Make the Cut!

If you’ve traveled around, you may have noticed: sometimes we do things a little differently in Montana. On occasion, we act different, dress different, or look different.

I oughta know.

For the past 15 years I’ve been going to get my hair cut at the same barber, Bill Graves at Riverview Barbershop. Bill’s been running his Great Falls small business for 40 years, and now works with his granddaughter, Megan.

Every time I sit down for a trim, I know I can expect a good discussion. We talk about the things that bring us together as Montanans—community, honesty, hard work, and the great outdoors.

We also talk about the problems we face working hard to earn a living. Sometimes Bill will think up something the politicians in Helena haven’t considered.

I also stand up with a flat top so sharp you can set your watch to it—a perfect fit for a 30 second television ad.

I’m proud to introduce our new television ad “Creating a Buzz”. While the ad is technically about me, and my hair, it’s really more about the grassroots energy and common-sense ideas behind our campaign.

http://testerforsenate.com/?p=107

Looks like Burns is just responding to the issue Tester brought up.

[mslacat]

Burns will win because voter always think it is the other guy's congressman that is corrupt. Despite all of the evidence out lining Burns corruption, and being a laughing stock across the nation, most voter will pacify themselves come November, by saying my Conrad could not have done such a thing.

It is the same phenomenon, as when a family member is accused of murder or rape. It usually takes a high def video and confession to believe that a son or brother did it!!

[Cat Grad]

I really think all Burns is going to have to do is come clean, say he made a mistake by taking Abramhoff's money, and go forward and let his talking heads turn this into a good versus evil event. I simply hope the media doesn't wind up showing our football team stomping the teddy bear logo too badly after we beat them in Denny's Sandbox so much that several of our Bobcat grads jump ship and vote for someone from the dark side. Notice I typed that with a straight face.

[G.W.Bush]

Burns will win because voter always think it is the other guy's congressman that is corrupt. Despite all of the evidence out lining Burns corruption, and being a laughing stock across the nation, most voter will pacify themselves come November, by saying my Conrad could not have done such a thing.

It is the same phenomenon, as when a family member is accused of murder or rape. It usually takes a high def video and confession to believe that a son or brother did it!!

So true... Montana will reelect Burns- a proven man of little character and a perfect example of what is wrong with American politics. People in Montana are so high on their “values” yet they support a man like Burns who does not reflect these same values.

[RyeCat]

JMHO - despite any other tomfoolery, any man who can stand on the floor of the U.S. Senate and, with a straight face, use the word "Bidness" over and over, does NOT deserve to be there.