Tester or Morrison?

[Ediacara]

I'll admit, I don't know very much about them and I haven't been following the (minimal) media coverage of the race so far. Unfortunately, since it's so early, there's very little on their campaign websites.


Jon Tester

Tester seems to have slightly more liberal positions than Morrison does. I like that, but it could hurt him overall. BUT, he's kind of a chubby guy with a flat top and from a very small town in the prairie (Big Sandy), totally the image of an everyday guy.


John Morrison

Morrison has a way more polished website, but unfortunately a laughably incomplete "issues" page. According to Politics1, he's considered the more moderate Dem, which I suppose could help him in the general, countering the fact he's a dreaded "trial lawyer." Additionally, he's been endorsed by Bill Bradley! So maybe not as un-liberal as he lets on.

What are your thoughts?

ON EDIT: stupid photos wouldn't load...

[John Q. Citizen]

1. Morrison has much higher name recognition at this

point, since he holds state wide office as state auditor. Tester is a state senator and fairly unknown outside his district.

I heard Morrison on liberal talk radio KKSN in Missoula the other day and he totally passed up any opportunity to speak ill of Tester, saying his office (state auditor) had a number of bills carried by Tester and that Tester is a good guy.

I think Tester coming from the Eastern side of the state is a positive for him in terms of taking on Burns in the general but Morrisons higher profile (at least currently) is a plus for Morrison. It's still too early in the primary race to have any sense of places the two Demo candidates disagree on the issues.

[montanaliberaldem]

2. Both are strong candidates.

I think we are fortunate to have both running. Both are perceived as honest and hard working. I have gained respect for Tester, and I don't think it hurts that he is from the Eastern part of the state. Billings was responsible for Martz and Burns being elected - feel free to hold that against us forever. Tester has always come across as direct and positive. Morrison is the same. If the candidates can keep from criticizing each other and keep the campaign positive, let's pray the democrats in this state can do likewise. Beating down one to build up the other makes that candidate unacceptable to the underinformed and the GOP wins again. We have got to get democrats elected from this state.

[Name removed]

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[montanaliberaldem]

4. Schweitzer hates Morrison?

Wow, I try to stay on top of these things and I didn't realize that his feelings for Morrison ran that deep. I doubt they do. I think it would be foolish of Schweitzer to endorse one over the other and he would disappoint me if he did. Burns hasn't had an original thought during his entire time in DC, but that appeals to the Republican faithful who like the party to do their thinking for them. Burns needs to be replaced with someone who doesn't owe his very presence to the GOP machine. More and more Montanans recognize what an embarrassment that "old cowboy" has become. He was an idiot in Billings as a County Commissioner and is unchanged on a larger stage.

P.S. Burns looks like an aging Howdy Doody.

[AlecBGreen]

5. TESTER all the way!

He's got the policies, the experience, and the image that it will take to elect a Dem in y'alls beautiful state. He's also a farmer (organic at that) which will be a big plus in such an agricultural state. He will have to play catchup against Morrison's name recognition and donations.

I believe your governor ran on a very progressive platform, didnt he? This is the key to winning the west. Your states are the key for our party ... the south is off the deep end. I will be follwing this election VERY closely. It has national implications. The Dems HAVE to take back the West, especially Montana, Nevada and New Mexico. If Tester runs a progressive, loud-and-proud campaign, he can and will win. Morrison is a trial lawyer...sorry, but lawyers wont win in the West. I have no evidence, just my opinion.

Anyway Im a Virginian...dont listen to me ;)

-Alec

[montanaliberaldem]

6. Tester is my personal favorite...

but I am to the "anyone but Conrad" point after this many years with that idiot. Tester has been a very positive voice in the legislature for years. You are right about lawyers in the West and is true for most of Montana. This is still a conservative state and, although we did manage to get Schweitzer elected, the fact that Morrison is a lawyer (i.e. way too liberal, activist, blah, blah, blah...)will be used against him - not by Tester, but by the Republicans here. They have been bitching their heads off since they lost the Governor's office and will keep it up through his entire term. Both Morrison and Tester have worked very hard for this state, are very articulate and sharp, and will stay positive. The Republicans will play dirty politics and will paint either one as a left-wing radical liberal. The problem with that is that neither one has held extreme views on the issues. I would be thrilled with either one.

[newyawker99]

7. Hi montanaliberaldem!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[montanaliberaldem]

8. Thank you!

DU has saved my sanity since the 2000 election. I visit it religiously but rarely comment. It's a little easier to be a Dem in Montana lately.

[newyawker99]

13. I am glad to hear it and I look forward to

reading more of your posts.


:hi:

[Wetzelbill]

9. hey welcome to DU!

So where are you from? I'm from Cut Bank, but now live in Arizona. Probably be moving back here pretty soon though.

[montanaliberaldem]

10. I've lived in Billings since college.

I was born in Conrad and raised in Kalispell. My mom grew up in Conrad and had friends from Shelby and Cut Bank. I had plans of leaving the state after college, but somehow never did.

[Wetzelbill]

11. hey cool

nice to have you around.

[John Q. Citizen]

12. here is a link to a Montana blog called Tester Time run by a

Montana blogger.

Some good information their.

http://testertime.com/?p=51