MTN News: Getting to know Montana's senior senator

In an hour-long interview with U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, the KTVQ editorial board heard the Democrat cover a host of hard topics, from the country’s COVID-19 response, to police reform, to the 2020 elections.

Tester also touched on some lighter moments, especially when asked what he does to relax.

“This is going to sound weird, but on Father’s Day, you know what I did? I spent 12 hours on the tractor,” said Tester. “I can sit there and think about anything that I want to think about. If I want to listen to music I can turn on the radio. I actually saw myself getting stuff done. It might seem weird to you, agriculture drives a lot of people crazy, but it keeps me sane.”

And what music does the senator, with a music degree, like listening to on that tractor?

He craves classic rock from the 70’s, mentioning Three Dog Night and the Doobie Brothers. As a trumpet player ,he still loves Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. But, if he had to pick out just one singer, it’s country western crooner Hank Snow that tops his list.

“I’m a big fan,” said Tester. “Hank Snow has got just a beautiful voice, just beautiful.”

By the way, Tester is back sporting his trademark flat top haircut these days, fresh off a trip to the barber last Friday. With haircuts off limits during the pandemic shutdown, Tester’s new ‘do has been quite the topic of discussion.

“It’s probably been since the late 80’s since I had longer hair, but it’s back,” joked Tester.

https://www.ktvq.com/news/montana-news/getting-to-know-montanas-senior-senator