Letter to the Editor - Where does Tester stand?

Editor,

Several weeks ago, I called Sen. Jon Tester’s office in Great Falls with two questions.  First, I wanted to know if Sen. Tester had stood during the State of the Union address in January and at which points during that speech.  The personable young woman on the phone proceeded to tell me the good work the senator was doing on behalf of our Montana veterans.  When I reminded her of the question, she assured me she would refer that to Washington.

Second question.  It was about a week before the confirmation vote on Pompeo for secretary of state.  I had watched some of the hearings and thought he was a good man for the job.  If I were senator, he would have my vote.  But my question was, how would Sen. Tester vote and why. We all know Pompeo was confirmed and has been on several diplomatic jaunts around the world.  Google says Tester voted no on the nomination.  I have not heard from his office.  It is beginning to look like Sen. Tester has joined the Pelosi Resistance Group — Judge Gorsuch, The Tax Reduction and Jobs Act, etc., etc.  If the senator is part of the resistance movement, that’s fine — every American (even senators)  can choose their  political party, their friends, etc.  Do I think it’s good governance?  No, but Jon Tester is the senator, not me.

In all the years that I have been writing, calling and meeting with lawmakers, I can only remember one other time when I got no answer.  Not all the responses were what I would have liked to hear, but I was given the courtesy of an answer.   I did expect a response from Sen. Tester, after all, in Montana miles, we are next-door neighbors.

This morning, Secretary of State Pompeo will return to Washington with three American hostages.  This morning Gina Haskill is going through a Senate hearing on her nomination for CIA Director.  Yes, I did watch the hearing.  Yes, I will be interested in the vote.  I urge you to do the same.  Thanks for listening.

Sincerely,

Joyce Spicher

Hingham