Sheehy, Tester Debate

Republican candidate Tim Sheehy emerged victorious in a heated U.S. Senate debate against incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, according to Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. Following the debate, Kaltschmidt issued a statement underscoring Sheehy’s performance and criticizing Tester’s record.

“Tim Sheehy’s second debate victory over career politician Jon Tester showed exactly why Montanans will vote to retire Two-Faced Tester once and for all on November 5th,” Kaltschmidt stated. “Tester failed to explain why he voted with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris 95 percent of the time. Not surprisingly, Two-Faced Tester never owned up to the catastrophe he and his fellow Democrats created at our southern border, their failure to support our veterans, and Tester’s lust for lobbyist cash over lowering costs for hardworking Montanans.”

Kaltschmidt praised Sheehy, a Navy SEAL veteran, as the candidate who would prioritize Montana’s interests in Washington. “Tim Sheehy will bring service, sacrifice, accountability, and Montana common sense back to Washington,” he declared.

As the campaign heats up, Senator Jon Tester has come under scrutiny for his substantial ties to lobbyists. His campaign has reportedly received $489,440 from lobbyists, part of a total of $502,591 in contributions. This places him among the top Senate candidates benefiting from lobbyist support, outpacing other notable figures.

A report highlighted that Tester held 218 meetings with lobbyists between January 2023 and August 2024, not accounting for interactions between his staff and lobbyists. This extensive engagement raises concerns about the influence of special interest groups on his legislative priorities.

Recent polling data from Public Opinion Strategies indicates a competitive race for Montana’s Senate seat, with Sheehy leading Tester 51% to 44% among likely voters surveyed statewide. As the election date approaches, both candidates are ramping up their efforts to sway voters in what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest.

By: DNU staff