When the Republican National Convention opened in Tampa Bay, Fla. this week, Congressman Denny Rehberg wasn’t there. Nor does the challenger for Montana Sen. Jon Tester’s seat plan on attending, opting instead to campaign across the state, according to the Great Falls Tribune’s Washington Bureau reporter Ledyard King.
And when the Democratic National Convention opens next week, Tester won’t be there either. He will also spend the week on the campaign trail, including a stop in the Flathead Valley.
In the report, King interviews Montana State University associate political science professor David Parker, who says the two candidates are smart to stay in Montana. From the Tribune:
“They should be spending time here campaigning, raising money, knocking on doors, talking to voters and all that other stuff,” said Parker, who is planning to write a book on the Senate race. “The stuff that goes on at the convention ain’t important. It’s a dog-and-pony show. We know who the nominees are going to be. What is to be gained by going? Nothing.”