Morrison, Tester: Do We Know These Guys?

By Dana Green, 5-31-06

As the June 6 primary draws closer, do Democratic voters really know Jon Tester and John Morrison?

Most people–pundits, voters, even the candidates themselves–don’t really think so.

In recent press on the U.S. Senate race, with the primary only days away, both Tester and Morrison have made healthcare the keynote in their campaigns. Tester has called for universal health care, particularly for Montana’s uninsured children. Morrison has supported expanding the current system, focusing on small businesses.

Despite important policy at stake, it is the differences in style between the two–Tester’s down-to-earth, no-nonsense attitude and his flat-top hairstyle; Morrison’s Clintonesque charm–that voters seem to be stuck with.

Tuesday, Tester called for Morrison to debate one last time so voters can hear the differences between the two candidates.


"Montana voters deserve to hear from both of us as much as they can so they can elect the best Democrat to take on Senator Conrad Burns this fall," Tester stated in a Tuesday press release. "Voters want to hear from us directly. That’s the way our democracy works best."

The two candidates haven’t met onstage since a series of debates held earlier in the spring. Both men were in a statistical dead heat in the latest Lee Newspapers poll.

Hopefully, a reluctant Morrison will hear the call and take to the stage, so Montana voters can choose between candidates–and not hairstyles–during this year's important primary vote.

To get candidates' sound bites on major issues, see the Tester and Morrison campaign Web sites here.

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