HELENA, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg told excited Republicans that backlash in Montana to "liberal know-it-alls" running the nation was a big reason he has decided to challenge Sen. Jon Tester in 2012.
Rehberg announced his candidacy at a Saturday night event with tea party activist and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann.
Rehberg says he gives the Republicans a chance to take back the Senate. Tester played an instrumental role with his 2006 win in giving Democrats control of the chamber amid voter dissatisfaction with former President George W. Bush.
Rehberg says Republicans have learned from their past mistakes and will stay true to fiscal conservative principles if given a chance to lead again.
Tester, a veterans' advocate, criticized Rehberg for announcing his candidacy with Bachmann, who calls for less spending for veterans.
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