Is America ready for two women on the presidential ticket? It’s a topic of discussion many are participating in, but a response by Montana Senator Jon Tester has ruffled some feathers.

The following audio clip was highlighted by the conservative PAC America Rising after first being reported by WNYC's Todd Zwillich; the audio contains a segment of Jon Tester responding to a question on whether Elizabeth Warren should be Hillary’s VP.

"Well, I don't know," says Tester in the clip. "Is the country ready for two women? I don't know, you know? I don't know."

Tester has since responded to the controversy resulting from the statement with an apology.

“I shouldn’t have said that and it doesn’t reflect my values," Tester said, in a statement released by his office. "I have always believed that we need more women in leadership positions not fewer.”

The same release also focuses on Tester's legislative credentials saying, "Jon's voting record on women's issues speaks for itself."

Montana Congressman Republican Ryan Zinke isn’t running against Senator Tester this election cycle, but he was quick to tell KGVO news and other media outlets his position on the matter.

"I don't thing there are barriers any more between men and women," Zinke said. "I think what you look at is quality of character and leadership. Are we ready for two women? Yes, to no greater degree than we are ready for two men. I just don't see a difference, especially when it comes to leadership and representing our nation."

After primary decisions on Tuesday, Zinke is officially running against a woman, Democrat Denise Juneau for Montana’s lone U.S. House seat. Zinke said he enjoyed working in the House and did not reveal if he was planning on running for Jon Tester’s U.S. Senate seat, which is up for grabs in 2019.

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