Alright, this is probably not a big deal. But, after The Great Falls Tribune’s Washington correspondent apparently didn’t get an answer when she asked why Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) was not riding in the parade along with the rest of the delegation, it certainly begs the question- where was he? Attending a big lobbyist funded reception somewhere along the parade route? A smaller ceremony with close family and friends?
Like I say, it’s probably not that big of a deal, but why didn’t the GFT’s Washington correspondent get an answer.
Regardless, as a follow up to yesterday’s post- a listener to our statewide talk show sent me the below video of CNN’s color commentary during the parade. It was pretty comical in that even the CNN crew expected Senator Tester to be riding for Montana in the parade.
CNN transcript:
That’s actually Senator Max Baucus and Governor (Bullock) will be joining with them to march in this inaugural parade. Max Baucus, a very important member. he’ll be very important this coming term if we move towards any tax reform measures. Senator Jon Tester since 2007, just looking at all of the members of the delegation that are here and there we are seeing more of the some 200 animals that we’ve been hearing so much about…Senator Tester is glad to be in this parade. He got re-elected. After a tough battle, that’s for sure.
Tester Left Out of Inaugural Parade?
I remember the inaugural parade back in 2000. In the days leading up to the parade, the Montana media made a big deal out of the fact that Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) was not scheduled to ride in the parade along with then-Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT), then-Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT), and a handful of other Montana dignitaries. (Baucus was later offered and allowed to ride in the parade)
This inaugural, as President Barack Obama celebrates being sworn into office for a second term, it turns out Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) won’t be the one able to ride in on his high horse during the inaugural parade, as Malia Rulon Herman reports for The Great Falls Tribune:
Newly elected Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock and GOP Rep. Steve Daines will join Democratic Sen. Max Baucus for a horseback ride down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.
It was unclear why Tester, a farmer, isn’t riding in the parade this year.
Bullock said he’s excited not only to ride in the parade but to do so with his 10-yearold daughter, Caroline.