Western Reader
Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat facing a challenging re-election campaign in Montana, has decided not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. Tester, who is in a tight race, has declared that he will refrain from backing any presidential candidate publicly and will concentrate on his own campaign instead.
Despite playing a significant role in Harris’ earlier Senate bid in 2015 when he led the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Tester has made it clear that he will not endorse any candidate this time. He has underscored that his priority is collaborating with whoever becomes president to benefit the people of Montana, rather than taking sides in the national election. In an interview, Tester stated, “Whoever gets elected, I can guarantee you one thing, I’ll work with them when they’re doing good things for Montana, and I’ll hold them accountable when they’re not.”
This gentleman is right. If Kamala Harris is going to accomplish meaningful things, we need to win the Senate. All hands on deck for Montana’s Jon Tester. 🙌🙏👏🌊🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/A7rHuom1mr
— Bill Madden (@maddenifico) September 22, 2024
This reluctance to endorse Harris has sparked criticism from his Republican opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy. Sheehy argues that Tester’s voting record contradicts his lack of endorsement, citing that Tester has aligned with Harris in 95% of the votes. Sheehy’s campaign asserts that Tester’s support for policies connected to increasing inflation and an open southern border implicitly endorses Harris’ “struggling agenda.”
Tester’s hesitance mirrors a wider trend among some vulnerable Democrats, particularly in battleground states, who are keeping their distance from Harris. Harris has encountered difficulty in garnering solid backing from crucial swing-state Democrats, who are worried about her limited appeal among independent voters and moderate Democrats. The control of the Senate could hinge on races like Tester’s in Montana.
#MTPol: “There are two Jon Testers: the one we see on TV in Montana and the real Tester who votes with Biden and Kamala in Washington.”
Sheehy Victory Committee is up with this new ad today. The #MTSen general election has seen $182.5M in total spending and reservations. pic.twitter.com/Bnn7c2hIYC
— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) August 29, 2024
Despite pressure from within his own party, Tester remains resolute in his choice. His decision not to endorse Harris is significant considering his previous support for her in 2020 when he hailed her as a “proven fighter” and an “excellent pick for Vice President.” However, the political landscape has shifted, and Tester seems to be strategizing that distancing himself from Harris could aid him in a state that has recently leaned towards the Republicans.
Montana’s conservative lean poses a substantial challenge for Tester. Surveys show his opponent Sheehy leading, and political analysts have revised their forecasts for the Montana Senate race from “toss-up” to “lean Republican.” A recent AARP poll demonstrates Sheehy ahead by six points, a margin that increases to eight points with third-party candidates considered.
Tester’s decision not to endorse Harris also signifies broader uncertainties within the Democratic Party regarding Harris’ ability to motivate the base. While Harris has backing from younger voters and individuals of color, she has encountered difficulties in gaining traction in swing districts, where some Democrats fear her candidacy might jeopardize their re-election prospects.
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