WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today sent letters to Montana Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester and Governor Brian Schweitzer requesting that they join him in extending an invitation to President Barack Obama to return to Montana for the sixth time in two years and the first time as president.  Obama made Montana a regular stop on the campaign trail.

“I had a great opportunity to speak with the President at the Children’s Health Insurance signing ceremony,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “He told me how much he loved Montana and we talked about his interest in learning to fly fish.  I can’t think of a better venue for all of us to get together to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing our great state.”

President Obama’s affinity for Montana has been well documented, and Big Sky Country has always been a popular place for Presidential Visits.  Most recently, President George W. Bush visited Billings in 2006.  These visits afford Montanans the opportunity to voice their unique opinions on important issues.

“I’m optimistic about the new administration, and I agree with the President when he says we need to role up our sleeves to find workable solutions that puts partisanship aside,” said Rehberg.  “Montanans expect us all to work on their behalf and whether it’s expanding CHIP or helping the Crow Tribe get federal approval of their water rights agreements, it’s always a pleasure to work as a team with our Senators and Governor.”

The Letter Rehberg sent to Baucus, Tester & Schweitzer is below:

Dear  <>,

It’s a privilege to serve with you as we work together to help build a more secure future for Montana families. 

In his first weeks in office, President Obama has reached across party lines in an attempt to create a new spirit of bipartisanship in Washington. With that spirit in mind, I'm asking you to join me in extending an invitation, on behalf of Montana’s statewide elected officials, to President Obama, asking him to make an official visit to our great state.  I suggest a fly-fishing trip to highlight Montana’s spectacular natural beauty and way of life.  This setting would serve as a unique backdrop for discussing the tough issues facing Montana and our nation.

I am committed to continuing to work with the delegation to make sure Montanans have a seat at the table on important issues like reforming government spending, improving access to affordable healthcare and managing our public lands.  A fly-fishing trip would be a great opportunity to visit with the President regarding these issues and many others.  With your agreement and cooperation, I propose we draft a letter inviting President Obama to Montana this summer. 

Let’s make sure Montanans continue to have a seat at the table over the next four years.  Thank you for your full consideration of my request, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,