Denny Rehberg on His Decision to Run Again for the U. S. House

During the 12 years that Denny Rehberg represented the state of Montana in the U.S. House of Representatives, I had numerous opportunities to interview him both in person and on the phone, so it was a pleasure to renew that relationship on Monday afternoon.

Rehberg spoke fondly of his friend Matt Rosendale, who backed out of the U.S. House race not long after announcing he was no longer seeking the U.S. Senate seat held by Jon Tester.

Rehberg Called Matt Rosendale 'A True Gentleman'

“He called me and has was very kind,” began Rehberg. “He's done a great job and I hope he enjoys his retirement with his family and gets to know them again because when you're in Congress you're traveling back and forth a lot and you're covering a lot of counties. Matt really has been a gentleman and I wish him well.”

Rehberg said winning the 2^nd District Congressional seat will mean he will retain much of his previous seniority.

Should he be Elected Rehberg would Retain his 12 Years of Seniority

“Well the good news is I get my seniority back,” he said. “I know where the bathrooms are and I know the process, so I can hit the ground running on January 3^rd. That's why I look forward to winning the primary, winning the general (election) and working with the new president to try and turn this economy around.”

Rehberg was asked for his reaction to the State of the Union speech delivered by President Joe Biden.

Rehberg Called Biden's State Of The Union Speech 'Bizarre'

“I sat on the House floor for 12 State of the Union speeches, and I have to admit that this is one of the most bizarre speeches I've ever heard,” he said. “It wasn't forward thinking; it sounded more like a pep rally at a junior high rather than talking about the future of America. What is he going to do to turn the economy around? Is going to close the border or not? He totally ignored the immigration issue. It was just and odd, strange speech.”

Rehberg brought up his family and the recent addition of several new grandchildren when he spoke about the current U.S. economy.

“We were complaining about the fact that we didn't have any grandkids, and all of a sudden, we now have a four year old grandson and three grandsons that are under two years old,” he said. “I look at that generation and say, ‘I do not want to have this president turn over the economy that he is creating, and the problems that he is creating with immigration, the open borders and all of that’. So I have four good reasons to run for Congress again, and that's to use my experience my knowledge, and go back and do everything I possibly can to turn this thing around.”

According to Ballot Pedia, other Republicans running for the House seat vacated by Matt Rosendale include State Auditor Commissioner of Insurance Troy Downing, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, state legislator Kenneth Bogner, Rick Holden, Joel Krautter, Edward Walker, and Stacy Zinn.

On the Democratic ticket, the candidates are Ming Cabrerra, Kevin Hamm and Steve Held.