| HELENA-
U.S. Senate Candidate Paul Richards today endorsed one of
his opponents, State Senator Jon Tester, in the upcoming primary
election. Richards said he is now encouraging his supporters
to vote for Tester as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate
in the election, which takes place Tuesday, June 6, 2006.
"I now believe Jon Tester is the one Democratic candidate
who can beat Conrad Burns," said Richards, a former state
representative who lives in the Boulder valley south of Helena.
"I’ve been very impressed by Jon Tester during
the year we have campaigned against each other. I am certain
Jon will do a darn good job, first as our Democratic standard
bearer in November and then, after he beats Burns, serving
in the U.S. Senate.
"Montana’s U.S. Senate race may be the most pivotal
in the nation," Richards continued. "The balance
of power in Washington, D.C. is askew. This is the year for
the U.S. Senate to go Democratic and this is the time for
Jon Tester to become part of that majority. May he do as good
a job in Washington, D.C. as he did in Helena.
"I do have strong doubts about the ability of State Auditor
John Morrison to defeat Conrad Burns," Richards said.
"I simply don’t believe Morrison can defeat Burns.
I think the Democrats nominating Morrison would be a bad mistake,
one the party would soon regret, as soon as November 7th.
"We have to consider the national implications of Montana’s
Senate seat. This is the seat of former Senate Majority Leader
Mike Mansfield. It needs to be held by a person of integrity.
Tester passes the character test.
"I ran a positive issue-oriented campaign," said
Richards. "I campaigned as hard as I could for peace
in Iraq, Indian claims, renewable energy, universal health
care, protection of roadless wildlands, and other important
issues. I will continue pro-actively supporting these issues
in every way possible.
"I am very grateful to the people of Montana who opened
their hearts and homes to me during the last year," Richards
concluded. "I hope they join me in supporting Jon Tester." |
