Senate Race Debate

Burns vs Tester: Round 2

By Greg Lemon, 9-10-06

They both wore nice suits, cowboy boots and had their families in attendance, but the debate Sunday afternoon between GOP Sen. Conrad Burns and Democrat Jon Tester highlighted their differences and was extended by repeated comments, cheers and boos from a packed Hamilton Performing Arts Center.

The first hint of the wildness to come were the 100 bright yellow T-shirts Tester supporters handed out at the doorway leading into the auditorium. They said “Fire Burns,” in flaming red letters.

Burns’ supporters were outnumbered at least 2 to 1 in the overflowing center, which seated 700 people. As many as 200 people were eventually turned back at the door by Hamilton police officers who tried hard to keep fire escape routes open.

The questions for the debate were drawn from those submitted to the Ravalli Republic newspaper by the public. It was the second debate between Burns and Tester and was moderated by Ravalli Republic editor, Jenny Johnson.

Throughout the contest, Burns and Tester addressed each other, commenting not only on one another’s honesty but ability to represent the people of Montana.

Burns leaned hard on what he has done for Montana in his 18 years of office.

Tester pointed to his experience in the Montana Senate and his long history of farming and ranching in the state. Both claimed to be in touch with Montana voters.

Though the debate often grew heated, the crowd provided the most noise. Tester’s supporters booed Burns every chance they could and heckled him when they disagreed with his statements and answers, despite Johnson’s efforts at keeping them silent.

The liveliest discussion between the candidates was about the national debt and corruption.

On the national debt, Burns said it was a concern, but that the country was growing economically and would eventually come out of it. He pointed to catastrophes like September 11, the war in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina as reasons the government had to spend money.

However, the debt is beginning to slow some, Burns said.

“And I will tell you, we still have to win this war,” Burns said referring to Iraq. “We will grow out of (the debt) because the economy continues to expand … We’ve always operated within the budget – the budget set by the American people.”

At this statement the crowd heckled Burns with boos and jeers again, despite Johnson’s attempts to silence them.

Tester responded quickly.

“Saying the debt is only half as big as last year is like saying (I'm) maintaining (my) weight gain.”

His supporters laughed and cheered.

Tester went on to say it’s time Montana elected somebody who could balance a checkbook. Tester pointed to his experience managing his farm and being Montana Senate president and balancing the state budget.

“Your farm didn’t get hit by Katrina. Your farm didn’t get hit by 9/11,” Burns responded.

Plus didn’t Tester cash the federal subsidy checks issued through federal Ag programs? Burns asked.

The personal jab got Tester animated.

As far as hard times in Montana, Tester pointed to Montana’s drought, which has been devastating for farmers and ranchers all across Montana.

“If you think those checks I’ve cashed made me flush, you’re wrong,” Tester said leaning forward and looking directly at Burns. “I’ve had to reduce my spending. I’ve had to pay as I go.”

On corruption Tester opened with a personal shot at Burns and the Abramoff scandal.

“We’ve got the best government money can buy,” Tester said.

He went on to refer to the Abramoff scandal -- including Burns' involvement.

“When they give you money and they think they’re getting benefits for those dollars, that’s inappropriate,” Tester said.

Burns denied the fact that Washington politics had changed him. His campaign and his office are open and honest, he said.

Again Tester’s supporters booed and jeered Burns.

“I believe in light bulbs and sunshine,” Burns said above the noise.

He then accused Tester of unethical doings, including illegal foreign trips and phone calls to raise money.

“When you look at everything, maybe I’m the only one here who’s not a lawbreaker,” Burns said.

This brought a raucous round of boos and shouts from Tester supporters.

Tester discussed his foreign trips, which were made as part of his duties as state Senator. He also said he stop making the phone calls once he found they were illegal.

Tester then went on to list several trips Burns made, which were funded by money from a variety of interest groups.

“And there must have been something going on in Las Vegas, because he went there 10 times.”

His supporters cheered.

Finally, a Burns supporter shouted for the crowd to shut up.

“Let him speak, we don’t interrupt (Tester),” the person shouted.

The two candidates also debated national security, health care, and energy.

On the war in Iraq and national security, Burns was firm in his stance.

“We take on the enemy where the enemy is. We do not want to take on the enemy here in America,” Burns said. “We only have one option and that is to win.”

He also added the unity was important at home.

“If we were the United States, we would be united in Iraq. It’s time for this country to come together.”

Tester called for the President to get a clear plan for what is happening in Montana and how to get our troops home. America should be focused on fighting terrorism.

“It’s an open commitment (in Iraq) and that we can’t stand,” he said.

On health care, Burns pointed to work he’s done in the Senate to help improve the Medicare program.

But Tester denied that Burns and the U.S Senate had helped at all. Medicare was too complicated for the average person.

“Let’s have government work for the people so they don’t have to go to their attorney or pharmacist (to figure out their health coverage),” Tester said to more cheers.

On energy, Burns talked about the need to develop Montana’s coal reserves and turn it into diesel, an idea that Gov. Brian Schweitzer has been very supportive of.

Beyond the coal, Montana needs to become a leader in the biodiesel industry, Tester said.

“Eastern Montana can raise oil seed like crazy,” he said.

Burns touted his support of the 2005 energy bill and the wind power project Judith Gap. He also wants to look at developing technology to process oil seed.

In rebuttal, Tester accused Burns of supporting something after it became apparent the people of Montana were behind it.

“The fact is, it’s Johnny Come Lately on this for you,” Tester said.

But Burns pointed out to Tester that if it weren’t for federal funding, the Judith Gap project wouldn’t have happened.

In the end the only thing Burns and Tester clearly agreed on was supporting stem cell research.

The debate lasted nearly 90 minutes and perhaps gave the voters a clearer view of where each candidate stood. The majority of the crowd was obviously Tester supporters. However, Burns supporters cheered their candidate and refrained from the jeering and booing that marred an otherwise healthy and lively discussion.

Clarification: This story has been changed to clarify Tester's statement on the national debt and weight gain.

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