Senate Campaigns Living High on the Hog

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Both sides of the big-money U.S. Senate campaign in Montana appear to be living pretty well as they race to raise cash.

Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg's campaign finance reports show he has been reimbursed tens of thousands of dollars for expenses, and spent lavishly on ritzy dinners.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester's campaign report also shows plenty of steak dinners and big tabs at nice restaurants. The Democrat's report, for instance, includes a pricey stay at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

In Rehberg's case, there are upscale "volunteer appreciation dinners" in Washington D.C. and New York City — far from the campaign's big cadre of volunteers in Montana.

A group called the Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington says Rehberg ranks 10th among members of Congress for reimbursing himself.