A heated political battle has erupted in Montana after the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) launched an attack on Democratic Senator Jon Tester for driving a Prius. The NRSC sent out a press release titled “BOMBSHELL: Jon Tester drives a Prius,” highlighting the Montana farmer’s choice of vehicle while in Washington, D.C.
Tester, who is seeking re-election in 2024, responded with a fiery statement, calling the NRSC a “bunch of jacka–es” and listing the numerous other vehicles he owns, including an ’86 Chevy, a 2018 GMC, and several vintage trucks. He emphasized his agricultural background, highlighting his use of diesel fuel for his farming operations.
The NRSC’s attack on Tester’s Prius prompted a flurry of criticism on social media, with accusations that the NRSC is out of touch with the concerns of Montanans. Tester’s communications director, Monica Robinson, responded on X (formerly Twitter), calling the criticism a “finger on the pulse of Montanans” and highlighting Tester’s hobby of restoring old cars with his son.
The NRSC, however, doubled down on its attack, with spokesperson Maggie Abboud stating that Tester’s response “says a lot about how much of a swamp creature Jon Tester has become.” Abboud argued that driving a Prius is not a common sight among farmers in Montana and that Tester’s defense of owning other vehicles only reinforces the perception that he is out of touch with the state’s values.
The NRSC’s communications director, Mike Berg, went further, labeling Tester a “multimillionaire swamp creature” and calling him “very mad” over the criticism. Fox News Digital has reached out to Tester for comment on the situation.
The exchange highlights the intense political battle brewing in Montana, with the focus on Tester’s connection to his constituents and his ability to represent their interests. The NRSC’s focus on the Prius, however, has raised eyebrows about the effectiveness of its attack strategy and whether it resonates with voters in Montana.
