Montana Senator Jon Tester’s Restaurant Bills Don’t Match His Everyman Image

Tester claims he doesn’t like eating out, because Montanans eat their own meat.

Jon Tester, Montana senator bills himself as “a tireless defender of rural America” A home-cooked meal is preferable to dining out at the lively restaurants in Washington, D.C. But the Democrat is Campaign receipts Tell a different tale: Tester spent more than a half a million dollars at fancy restaurants, including one Beltway restaurant that extolled its appeal. “senators, congressmen, celebrities, and powerbrokers.”

Campaign finance reports show that Tester’s campaign, and his leadership PAC, have reduced spending at restaurants and catered events by at least $1.2 millions since 2006. Records. Morton’s Steakhouse is a Washington institution that offers eight-ounce steaks starting at $53 and margaritas starting at $35 per person. Del Frisco’s is another steakhouse that insists on a high standard of quality. “strict upscale dress code” On its patrons, and RPM Italian owned by Giuliana Rancic, celebrity reporter and visited by comedian Pete Davidson and rapper Drake in recent years. Tester spent $8,000 and $8,100 at each of the restaurants.

Bistro Cacao is another favorite Tester campaign spot. The Democrat spent $15,745 to get a taste of the restaurant. “French indulgence with contemporary flair.” Tester also spent $9,900 at Bistro Bis on Capitol Hill, a French restaurant that boasts a spectacular view of the Capitol Hill. “ambiance and luxury” Its clientele includes “senators, congressmen, celebrities, and powerbrokers.”

The senator’s comments about fine dining and lavish spending are a mockery. Tester insists that he prefers to eat at home, with meat from Montana, rather than going out for dinner. “At the end of the long day, I am happier not going out [to eat],” He Telled The New York Times 2012. “Taking meat with us is just something that we do. We like our own meat.”

Tester didn’t respond to a request to comment.

His flair for luxury dining may have tarnished his reputation as a Montana farmer. He is likely to rely on his 2024 campaign. Tester is considered one the most vulnerable Democrats on 2024 Senate’s slate. His campaign website is filled with photos of him at his farm in Big Sandy, Mont. A Tester defeat would be a major setback for Democrats’ attempts to retain a majority at the upper chamber.

Tester, who has recently Railed against “multimillionaires” Although he is worth as much as $6.7 million, he has been in the U.S. Senate ever since 2007. However, it is unknown which Republicans will oppose Tester, 66 years old. Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke have been rumored to be interested in running for the seat.

Ted’s Montana Grill is a Montana-themed steakhouse that Tester didn’t spend any money on. Three locations In the D.C. metropolitan area.