Campaign 2012

June 24 Senate debate may not happen

Posted: Jun 15, 2012 3:27 PM by MTN News
Updated: Jun 15, 2012 4:23 PM

Congressman Denny Rehberg has declined to take part in a scheduled debate with Senator Jon Tester on June 24, saying the Montana Broadcasters Association never notified the congressman about the event and that he will not be able to attend.

Tester and Rehberg were scheduled to debate that day at the Montana Broadcasters Association event.

In ongoing negotiations between the broadcasters and the Rehberg campaign, the Rehberg camp has offered to debate later in the day. Tester has already confirmed that he'll be attending the event.

Montana's News Station has seen an internal memo from the Montana Broadcasters Association that says the group began working with the Rehberg campaign on the debate date and time seven months ago. But the Rehberg campaign disputes that claim.

The Association goes on to say that Rehberg's campaign confirmed the date and time again in February, March and May.

Both Tester and Rehberg will appear in their first debate Saturday, June 16 at Bucks' T-4 during the Montana Newspaper Association annual gathering.