Matthew Brown, at the Associated Press, wrote a story over the weekend explaining how Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg’s support of Democratic Sen. Jon Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is “pivotal” to its success. From Brown’s story:
As Rehberg tours the state this week to gauge public support for the measure, observers say where the Republican comes down could either help seal Tester’s biggest legislative achievement since his 2006 election — or put up a major roadblock to the bill’s success.
I agree that Tester would welcome Rehberg’s endorsement, but is his support that much more important than former Republican Gov. Marc Racicot’s, who even wrote an editorial backing the senator’s legislation? From Racicot’s September op-ed:
Resting upon a strong, broad-based desire to do something more than “fiddle” while our forests burned, the community-based initiatives and Senator Tester’s legislation reflect a careful balance of interests and imperatives that each deserve consideration in the management of our forest landscapes.
My sincere hope is that the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act will be acted upon by Congress without delay and that we can sooner, rather than later, begin a new day in forest management and stewardship of our natural treasures.
So far, Tester’s legislation has polled well in Montana. That, of course, could change as his bill receives more committee hearings in Washington, D.C., and more people become familiar with what’s in it.
And it will be an interesting dynamic if Rehberg comes down on the opposing side of the man who was once the most popular Republican in the state in Racicot.