Tester KXL position; 'independents' fleeing GOP for Obama

As a registered voter in Montana, ip was one of the over 800,000 submitting comments to US Senators: mine through the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) petition portal.

The offices of both Senators, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, responded electronically. Here is the text of Senator Tester's response:

Dear Larry, 

Thank you for contacting me about the Keystone XL Pipeline. I appreciate your concerns. 

I recently added a provision protecting private property rights to the bill that called on the Obama Administration to make a quicker decision on the permitting of this pipeline. After this change was incorporated, I voted for this legislation.

As you know, President Obama then rejected a permit request for this project to move forward at this time. I am disappointed with the president's decision but will continue to work with my colleagues to promote Montana energy resources, both renewable and traditional. 

I support the Keystone XL Pipeline because I believe it will create jobs in Montana and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Using more oil from the Bakken formation in Montana is far better than buying it from the Middle East. From my perspective, energy security is national security, and that is why I support this pipeline as well as investing in Montana's wind, geothermal and solar energy potential. It will take all of these resources to make our country energy independent and Montana should be a national leader in this effort. 

As we develop all of these energy resources, I believe it is critically important that we protect Montanans' private property, our wildlife and clean water while creating jobs and investing in our energy security. Montana is blessed with clean water and unspoiled land, and we need to make sure these treasures are around for our kids and grandkids. That is why I pushed for better pipeline safety legislation and why I told TransCanada that the Keystone XL Pipeline must take every reasonable precaution to ensure public safety and the protection of our land and water.

I will continue to closely monitor this process. Please don't hesitate to contact me again if I can be of further assistance. 

Sincerely,
Jon Tester  United States Senator

I have no doubt that Senator Tester believes every word of this letter and that his voting record is the more important feature of his voice.

Senator Tester's re-election campaign has raised more money than his earth hater opponent and is exhibiting transparency with his donor list.

We have the opportunity to turn Montana into a solidly blue state this year. Getting the base out to vote will ensure success; in solidarity with other bloggers, degrading the opposition continues to be ip's mission.

TPM: Poll after poll is showing disgust with candidates in the earth hater party. Rasmussen, Gallup, Pew, PPP showing more likely voters support the President.

Fuck the earth haters.