Denny Rehberg

Denny Rehberg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Montana's At-large district
In office
January 3, 2001 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by Rick Hill
Succeeded by Steve Daines
26th Lieutenant Governor of Montana
In office
January 20, 1991 – January 6, 1997
Governor Stan Stephens
Marc Racicot
Preceded by Allen Kolstad
Succeeded by Judy Martz
Member of the Montana House of Representatives
In office
1985–1991
Personal details
Born (1955-10-05) October 5, 1955
Billings, Montana, U.S.
Political party Republican
Alma mater Montana State University, Bozeman
Washington State University, Pullman
Religion Episcopalian

Dennis Ray "Denny" Rehberg[1] (born October 5, 1955) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Montana from 1991 to 1997 and as the U.S. Representative for Montana's at-large congressional district from 2001 to 2013. Rehberg was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in 1996 and 2012, losing to Max Baucus 50% to 45% and to Jon Tester 49% to 45%, respectively.[2] He subsequently became a co-chairman at Mercury, a Washington D.C. lobbying firm.[3]

Early life, education, and ranching career

Rehberg was born in Billings, Montana, the son of Patricia Rae (née Cooley) and Jack Dennis Rehberg. His ancestry includes German, Irish, and Scottish.[4] He attended Billings West High School and Montana State University before transferring to Washington State University where he earned his BA in public administration.[5]

From 1996 to 2001, Rehberg managed the Rehberg Ranch near Billings. He oversaw a herd of 500 cattle and 600 cashmere goats.[6] After being elected to congress, Rehberg gave up ranching, citing the difficulty of managing a herd whilst travelling between Montana and Washington D.C.[7][8]

Early political career

Staffer

In 1977 he began working as an intern in the Montana State Senate, and two years later he joined the Washington, D.C. staff of Montana U.S. Congressman Ron Marlenee as a legislative assistant. In 1982, Rehberg returned to farming, until running for the State House in 1984.

Montana legislature

Rehberg was elected then to the Montana State House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991, where he served three terms. In the legislature, he considered himself to be a fiscal conservative, and he advocated balancing the state budget without any tax increases. He was the only freshman member to serve on the House Appropriations Committee.

Lieutenant Governor

In July 1991, Rehberg was appointed Lieutenant Governor by Governor Stan Stephens. He was subsequently elected to a full term in 1992.

As Lieutenant Governor, Rehberg sought to bring government back to the local level by traveling to all 56 counties every year. He chaired the Drought Advisory Committee and the Task Force credited with reforming Worker’s Compensation, the Montana Rural Development Council, and several health care initiatives. He was succeeded as Lieutenant Governor by fellow Republican Judy Martz.

1996 U.S. Senate election

He ran for a seat in the United States Senate against incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Max Baucus, but lost, 50%–45%.[9]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2000

Incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman Rick Hill of Montana's At-large congressional district decided to retire after two terms in 2000. Rehberg decided to run and won the Republican primary with 74% of the vote.[10] In the general election, he defeated Democratic State School Superintendent Nancy Keenan 52%–46%.[11]

2002

He won re-election to a second term with 65%, against Steven Dickman Kelly.[12]

2004

He won re-election against Tracy Velazquez to a third term with 64%.[13]

2006

He won re-election to a fourth term against Democratic State Representative Monica Lindeen 59%–39%.[14]

2008

He won re-election to a fifth term against Democratic State Representative John Driscoll 64%–32%.[15]

2010

He won re-election to a sixth term against Democrat Dennis McDonald 60%–33%.[16]

2012

He lost the election for U.S. Senate, against Senator Jon Tester (D), removing Rehberg from holding a political office.

Tenure

National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act (H.R. 1505)

In 2012 Rehberg co-sponsored "H.R. 1505" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-08-14.  which would waive environmental laws that would otherwise prevent the Department of Homeland Security from constructing roads, fences, and forward operating bases in national parks and wilderness areas within 100 miles of the international border. Homeland Security would not have to inform affected parties before pursuing these activities.[17] The bill's dissenters claim that it "employs a manufactured conflict with border security to weaken [environmental laws]." The Department of Homeland Security called the bill "unnecessary and bad policy" since DHS already has a memorandum of understanding allowing them to enter these lands without prior approval.[18]

Economic record

On April 15, 2011, Rehberg was one of four Republican members of Congress to vote against The Path to Prosperity.[19]

Pell grants and school lunches

After having scrutinized the Pell Grant program as one that was 'expanding' too quickly, congressman Rehberg set his sights on the free school lunch program as a program where there was potential of taxpayers being ripped off, although the state Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau expressed the real concern that not enough families that qualify request the assistance.[20]

Iraq War

Rehberg voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.[21][22]

Rehberg served on the Military Quality of Life and Foreign Operations Subcommittees of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. In 2007, he voted against the Mandatory Troop Rest Periods between Deployments to Iraq bill (creates a mandatory rest period between deployments to Iraq for members of the Armed Forces, passed) and against the Redeployment from Iraq Act (reduces the presence of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq by April 1, 2008, passed).[23]

Environmental record

Rehberg describes himself as “a lifelong steward of the land”. He voted against the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 and against the Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) Act of 2001.[24] He is currently one of the foremost critics on keeping the gray wolf on the endangered species list.[25] On environmental issues, Rehberg has also been given low ratings by interest groups. Environment America gave him an 8% rating in 2008, and 27% rating in 2009. Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund gave him a 13% rating. In his position statement on Economic Development, he said “Our [Montana’s] coal and natural gas reserves stretch for hundreds of years into the future, and we can turn them into much needed energy.” Dennis Rehberg states opposition to the Shays-Meehan bill from 1998, of which he says it “stripped freedom of speech rights from Montana citizens.” Aside from the bill, he makes a point to say he supports full and open disclosure laws for campaign finance reform.

LGBT issues

Rehberg opposes same-sex marriage, and supports a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one women.[26] He voted against the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, a bill that amends the Federal definition of a hate crime to include gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill passed, 237 to 180.[27] In the Dec. 26, 1994, issue of Newsweek, p. 83, then Lt. Governor Rehberg was quoted as saying "The problem with AIDS is: you got it, you die. So why are we spending money on the issue?," when discussing cuts to the state's hospital budget. [28]

Committee assignments

Current Congress
110th Congress (2007–2008)
109th Congress (2005–2006)

Caucus memberships

2012 U.S. Senate election

On February 6, 2011, Rehberg announced that he would challenge Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) in 2012.[30] The outcome of the race was expected to have a significant impact on which party controls the United States Senate during the 113th Congress.[31]

According to Salon, it was a "race that pundits are saying could be a tough challenge for Tester."[32] Political Scientist Larry Sabato predicted a narrow Rehberg victory, pointing out that Rehberg had led in 10 of 13 recent polls.[33] However, Tester eventually defeated Rehberg, 48.7%–44.8%.[34]

2014 U.S. House election

When after one term in the U.S. House Steve Daines ran for the U.S. Senate, Rehberg considered running for his old House seat, but ultimately declined.[35] The seat was ultimately won by Republican Ryan Zinke.

Personal life

Rehberg married his high school sweetheart, Jan, a water attorney who represents farmers and ranchers. They have been married for over 25 years and have three children, A.J., Katie, and Elsie.

Wealth

With a net worth of between $6.5 and $54 million, Rehberg was the fourteenth-richest U.S. Representative in the House in 2008.[36] However, in an April 2011 town hall meeting video released by the Montana Democratic Party, he told an audience member that he was "land-rich and cash-poor" and "struggling like everyone else."[37]

Boating accident

On the night of Thursday, August 27, 2009, while in the area for a series of town hall forums on healthcare, Rehberg was a passenger in a boating accident near Bigfork, MT on Flathead Lake. Montana State Senate Majority Whip Greg Barkus was driving the boat.[32][38]

Rehberg, Barkus and his wife Kathy, and two Rehberg aides, Dustin Frost and Kristin Smith, were hospitalized in Kalispell following the accident, which took place sometime between 10pm and midnight. Frost, Rehberg's then 27-year-old state director in Montana, suffered a brain injury. Frost was in a coma for more than a week.[38] Rehberg sustained a broken ankle and rib fractures.[39]

Law enforcement agents investigated the cause of the accident, including "how fast the boat was going, who was driving, and 'whether alcohol and drugs were involved.'" [38] Barkus "was found to have a blood alcohol content of .16 two hours after the accident. Despite the fact that, according to a witness quoted in the criminal complaint, Barkus had been drinking scotch and wine at a lakeside restaurant that night, Rehberg later said he 'was surprised to learn the results of Greg's blood alcohol test'."[32] Rehberg released his BAC, measured several hours after the crash, at an alleged .05 percent.[40]

Barkus, ultimately pleaded no contest to a felony criminal endangerment charge. He was given a four-year deferred sentence, probation, paid $4,000 in restitution and a $25,000 fine.[41]

Lawsuit against the City of Billings

In July 2010, Rehberg's corporation that has developed a subdivision on his former ranch land sued the City of Billings for calling back firefighters from protecting trees and some scrub brush. The City of Billings had recently annexed a significant amount of undeveloped grass-land, including Rehberg's ranch, and had not developed a firefighting policy for wildfires, which are significantly different from structure fires. When the fire flared again, the city firefighters had to return to put out the fire after significant damage was done.[42] While the suit was filed in July, Rehberg and his wife did not push forward with litigation, given the political pressures of the 2010 Congressional campaign.[43]

The city of Billings spent nearly $21,000 defending itself against the lawsuit before it was dropped by Rehberg.[44]

Memberships

Electoral history

Montana's at-large congressional district: Results 2000–2010[45]
Year Republican Votes Pct Democratic Votes Pct Libertarian Votes Pct
2000 Denny Rehberg 211,418 51.5% Nancy Keenan 180,971 44.1% James J. Tikalsky 9,132 2.2%
2002 Denny Rehberg (inc.) 214,100 64.6% Steve Kelly 108,233 32.7% Mike Fellows 8,988 2.7%
2004 Denny Rehberg (inc.) 286,076 64.4% Tracy Velazquez 145,606 32.8% Mike Fellows 12,458 2.8%
2006 Denny Rehberg (inc.) 239,124 58.9% Monica J. Lindeen 158,916 39.1% Mike Fellows 8,085 2%
2008 Denny Rehberg (inc.) 307,132 64.2% John Driscoll 154,713 32.4% Mike Fellows 16,282 3.4%
2010 Denny Rehberg (inc.) 217,696 60.4% Dennis McDonald 121,954 33.8% Mike Fellows 20,691 7.9%

References

  1. ↑ Dennis Rehberg Bio Washington Times.
  2. ↑ Lipton, Eric (December 23, 2011). "Mining Companies Back Friend's Bid for Senate". The New York Times. Retrieved December 24, 2011.
  3. ↑ Mali, Meghashyam (18 March 2013). "Former Rep. Rehberg joins K Street firm". thehill.com. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  4. ↑ "Dennis R. "Denny" Rehberg: b. 5 Oct 1955 Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT". rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Washington Times 2012 Election Coverage". Washington Times. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  6. ↑ "Congressman Denny Rehberg : Biography". Rehberg.house.gov. 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  7. ↑ "This time, Rehberg faces busy primary". Billings Gazette. 25 April 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  8. ↑ "In Montana Senate Race, the Wolves Come Out for Obama". Retrieved 15 June 2012.
  9. ↑ "MT US Senate Race – Nov 05, 1996". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  10. ↑ "MT US Senate- R Primary Race – Jun 04, 1996". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  11. ↑ "MT At-Large Race – Nov 07, 2000". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  12. ↑ "MT At-Large Race – Nov 05, 2002". Our Campaigns. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  13. ↑ "MT At-Large Race – Nov 02, 2004". Our Campaigns. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  14. ↑ "MT – At-Large Race – Nov 07, 2006". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  15. ↑ "MT – At-Large Race – Nov 04, 2008". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  16. ↑ "MT – At-Large Race – Nov 02, 2010". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  17. ↑ Department of Natural Resources Web Page. "Securing Our Borders". Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  18. ↑ "Exchange Between Senator Tester and Secretary Janet Napolitano on DHS Authority on Public Lands". Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  19. ↑ house.gov (2011-04-15). "Final vote results for roll call 277". Clerk of the House of Representatives. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  20. ↑ "Montana GOPer Fears School Lunch Fraud Is Eating Taxpayer Money". TPM. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
  21. ↑ Roll call vote, Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
  22. ↑ "2011 National Key Votes – Project Vote Smart". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  23. ↑ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Dennis 'Denny' Rehberg – Voting Record". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  24. ↑ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Dennis 'Denny' Rehberg – Voting Record". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  25. ↑ "Listening is first step in crafting wolf legislation". Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  26. ↑ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Dennis 'Denny' Rehberg – Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  27. ↑ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Rehberg on HR 1592 – Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  28. ↑ King, Nicholas Return of the White Plague, Sec. 2, Immigration, Race and Geographies of Difference in the Tuberculosis Pandemic, McGill University, 2003, Accessed 3 May 2013.
  29. ↑ "U.S. Congressional International Conservation Caucus Members". House of Representatives. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  30. ↑ Official website Archived February 2, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  31. ↑ "Montana race could tip balance of power in U.S. Senate". USA Today. 2012-04-04. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  32. 1 2 3 Elliott, Justin (February 2, 2011). "Senate hopeful was involved in drunken boat crash". Salon.
  33. ↑ "Election Tilts Toward Obama, Senate Democrats". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  34. ↑ "Montana". elections.nytimes.com. The New York Times. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  35. ↑ "Rehberg considers run for former U.S. House seat". The Missoulian. 1 January 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  36. ↑ "Denny Rehberg (R-Mont)". OpenSecrets. 2008. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  37. ↑ Terkel, Amanda (24 May 2011). "Minimum Wage Emerging As Key Issue In Montana Senate Race Between Jon Tester, Denny Rehberg". TheHuffingtonPost.com. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  38. 1 2 3 Ann, Mary. "The Sleuth – Rep. Rehberg Hospitalized, Boat Crash Under Investigation". Voices.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  39. ↑ "Campers recount Montana boat crash, rescue". San Diego Union Tribune. September 14, 2009. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  40. ↑ Scott, Tristan (2009-09-24). "Rehberg irresponsible for crash role, challenger says". Billings Gazette. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  41. ↑ Scott, Tristan "Judge rejects plea deal in Greg Barkus boat crash case", Ravalli Republic, 20 January 2011. Accessed 28 July 2012.
  42. ↑ "Rehberg Ranch Estates sues city of Billings". Billings Gazette. 2010-07-04. Retrieved 2011-03-25.
  43. ↑ "Rehberg lawsuit against city firefighters sits idle". Billings Gazette. 2010-10-27. Retrieved 2011-03-25.
  44. ↑ "City of Billings spent $21K defending against Rehberg lawsuit". The Missoulian. March 7, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
  45. ↑ "Election Statistics, 1920 to Present". Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
Political offices
Preceded by
Allen Kolstad		 Lieutenant Governor of Montana
1991–1997 		Succeeded by
Judy Martz
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Rick Hill		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Montana's At-large congressional district
2001–2013 		Succeeded by
Steve Daines
Party political offices
Preceded by
Allen Kolstad		 Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Montana
(Class 2)
1996 		Succeeded by
Mike Taylor
Preceded by
Conrad Burns		 Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Montana
(Class 1)
2012 		Most recent
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