Campaign 2012

Tester & Rehberg exchange laughs after debate

Posted: Oct 22, 2012 11:56 AM by Marnee Banks - MTN News
Updated: Oct 22, 2012 12:00 PM

BOZEMAN - Even though the debate on Saturday night between U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D) and U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (R) appeared incredibly heated and tense, there was a moment where the two men exchanged smiles and even a genuine laugh.

After their closing remarks, the audience erupted into cheers for Tester and Rehberg. That's when Rehberg approached Tester, put his hand on his shoulder, and whispered something.

The microphones were padded down and the cheers of the crowd made it hard to hear what was said, but Tester grinned from ear to ear and both men began laughing.

After a full review of the video recording and confirmation from Tester's campaign here is what MTN discovered was said:

Rehberg: "I'll quit going to Big Sandy if you quit going to Billings."

Tester: "I can't do that, but if you had told me you were coming to Big Sandy I would have bought you lunch."

Both men laughed, shook hands and even smiled at one another.

Just a week ago, Rehberg and his campaign bus made a stop in Big Sandy, a town of 600 people and the home of Tester.

Tester has been actively campaigning in Billings, Rehberg's hometown. Billings is a critical political battleground and the largest urban area in Montana.