BOZEMAN – Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg is the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation holding town halls — leaving him in the unique position of answering questions about legislation written by the state’s two Democratic senators.
A public thirsty for answers about health care is showing up in large numbers at the 15 town halls hosted so far by U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg. Occasionally contentious or forceful, a crowd of 200 in Bozeman had a lot of questions.
The problem is Rehberg is likely the least influential member of the state’s delegation, given Democrats’ control of Congress and the White House, and the fact he is just one of 435 in the House.
Montana’s senior senator, Max Baucus, talks with the president almost daily about his plans for a bipartisan Senate solution to health care. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester holds a potential swing vote on that plan, and in the background he’s working on a piece of legislation that could dramatically change forestry, wilderness and recreation on state public lands.
Dozens lined up to ask Rehberg mostly about health care and Baucus’ plan, which is still being drafted by a panel of six senators.
“How do we get a hold of what he is working on?” asked Terry Bannan of Belgrade. “My guess is they are not going to produce it until they get back and don’t have to face town hall meetings.”
Republicans know that the August recess and delays in drafting a bill may help crater Democratic proposals. Rehberg said the proposals are too big, too expensive and have too much government involvement — but he said he is reserving final judgment on whatever Baucus produces.
The state’s top Republican said he has never had so much interest in his listening sessions. The crowd in Bozeman was largely enthusiastic over core points he made: spending is out of control, Democrats are doing too much too fast, and heavy government involvement in the health care proposals won’t work.
Rehberg said Republicans clearly are in the “penalty box” for errors made under President George W. Bush. And Rehberg still took some heat in Bozeman from conservatives opposed to most federal programs and spending. But anger from that quarter is finding a new target.
“I’m 100 percent frustrated with Sen. Baucus. I’m only 35 percent frustrated with Rep. Rehberg,” said Tom Tuck of Belgrade.
The new debate has put Rehberg in his element. The core GOP message resonates with Montana conservatives.
“I don’t think the solution is government,” said Rehberg, to a sea of nodding heads.
But a good part of the crowd obviously disagreed, clapping when some questioners challenged Rehberg to support the overhaul President Barack Obama is talking about. Overall, however, Rehberg clearly believed the town halls are working in the favor of the opposition party.
“I wish the Republicans were smart enough to have caused the Tea Parties,” Rehberg told those in Bozeman. “We are not, though. We are just not that good.”
Neither Baucus nor Tester are holding town halls this summer. They say they are traveling the state and communicating with constituents in different ways.
A Baucus spokesman said the senator is holding meetings with all sorts of different groups — stopping in public places such as restaurants to talk with Montanans — and did not rule out a town hall before month’s end.
“From Hardees to the State Fair, Max has been able to listen to people’s concerns, address some of their questions, and gather valuable input as he continues to craft meaningful health care legislation that will lower costs, improve quality, and make sure that every Montanan has access to quality affordable health care,” said Ty Matsdorf.
A Tester spokesman noted the senator took part in Obama’s town hall last week and has appeared at other public events such as a listening session on his forest bill.
“Jon knows this is an emotional issue for a lot of folks and he’s listening to all perspectives,” said Aaron Murphy. “When there’s a bill to discuss, he looks forward to having constructive conversations with Montanans before making a decision that’s right for our state.”
National Democratic leaders have questioned the motives of angry participants at health care town halls, even calling them “Astroturf” — or fake.
It plays perfectly for Rehberg, the Republican.
“I don’t see any Astroturf in here,” he said in Bozeman to general agreement. “You all might be monsters, but you certainly don’t look like it. The name calling serves no purpose.”