I believe Democrats are poised to make real gains in November. According to one survey, Conrad Burns is the least popular senator in the nation.
Across the country, Democrats are ahead of Republicans in generic polls. We're beating the Republicans at recruitment. And the field appears to be in our favor.
But to truly make gains in the House and Senate, I believe we'll need candidates willing to show true leadership. Leaders who will make tough decisions and stand up for what we believe in. Leaders who will work to solve problems and get things done--for Montana and for all of America.
Returning a Democratic majority to the House or Senate would be an incredible victory in 2006, and an important step in restoring balance to our government--the people's government
But this election isn't just about numbers. It's about the direction we want our country to go. And it's about the direction we want our party to go.
The question before us this primary season is this: what kind of Democrats do we want to send to Washington next January?
Do we want Democrats who will bow down to the special interests that have corrupted our democratic process? Or do we want Democrats who will stand up to them and clean the halls of congress of crooks and influence-peddlers?
Do we want Democrats who will continue to give the President a blank check for his misguided war in Iraq? Or do we want Democrats who will support our troops and lay out a plan to bring them home?
Do we want Democrats who will only make noise when the price of energy goes up? Or do we want Democrats who will fight every day for a comprehensive energy policy that cuts our addiction to foreign oil?
Do we want Democrats who will do nothing while the President's prescription drug plan leaves hundreds of thousands of our seniors without the medicine they need? Or Democrats who will stand up and fight for our seniors?
Do we want Democrats who will accept the President's spying program? Or Democrats who will trust in the wisdom of our forefathers and the Constitution and ensure that we protect our right against unreasonable searches and seizures?
Do we want Democrats who will fight to keep public lands in public hands?
As a United States Senator from Montana, I will fight for the values and ideals we share. But winning will require all of us to take part--not just in the race in Montana, but in critical races all across the country.
Because rebuilding Congress after more than a decade of Republican control and Republican corruption will require more than just a change in numbers--it will require changing the face of Washington.
We can decide here and now that this election is going to be an earthquake that shakes the foundation of insider Washington.
We can do that by sending new blood, and by sending candidates who are willing to fight and win for hardworking Americans.
If you want an insider politician, you don't want me. But if you want to move Washington, D.C. in a new direction, then I ask you to stand with me. Do everything you can to help us win. Join our campaign. Make a contribution. Ask your friends in Montana to get involved.
You can contribute via Act Blue here:
http://www.actblue.com/...
Or you can sign up for our campaign here:
http://www.testerforsenate.com/...
Over the past few weeks, we've been dedicated to raising the money and putting together the field operation we need to win. As some of you know, we had a soft fourth quarter. In December, I led the Montana Senate through a special session to fund our schools. I don't offer that as an excuse--I simply wasn't willing to lose sight of the job I was elected to do as President of the Montana Senate to benefit my campaign.
But now we're focused. We've got a great staff. We've opened a new headquarters and we're fundraising and building the volunteer network needed to win.
And today we're less than 100 days from the Primary Election in Montana, on June 6th. 100 days to make our case, to make our stand, and to start a process that will change the way Washington works.
I hope that I can count on you in this important fight.
Jon Tester