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It has been 14 days since Senator Tester refused to apologize to Concerned Women for America for his campaign’s comments accusing the organization of lobbying Congress to weaken child pornography laws.  Concerned Women for America is one of the leading anti-pornography organizations in America and was actually lobbying Congress to strengthen, not weaken child pornography laws.

So what does Jon Tester decide to do rather than apologize?  Hold a listening session to hear the concerns of women in Missoula.  Instead of doing the responsible and honest thing and apologize, Senator Tester decided he rather put on a show to cover up his mistake.

For those of you who did not catch it last time.  Senator Tester’s campaign accused Concerned Women for America for being a group that lobbied Congress FOR child pornography.  This could not be further from the truth.  The CWA released the following statement in response to Tester’s false campaign accusations.

"Senator Tester’s smear attack on Concerned Women for America is a complete disgrace,” said Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America LAC. "The Tester campaign’s assertion that CWA lobbied Congress against child pornography protection is absolutely false.  To the contrary, CWA strongly supports tough penalties for those who peddle in child pornography.  And Senator Tester should have known better—it is publicly known that I was personally the victim in an attempted sexual attack by a suspected pornography addict while I was pregnant with my daughter.  I was rescued by a passing motorist, and have spent the last 15 years as a champion against child pornography and indecency—including more than 3 years of public service working on this issue at the FCC. Concerned Women for America demands an apology from Senator Tester for this false and unseemly attack.”

Now just two weeks later, we find Senator Tester running around the state putting on town halls to hear the concerns of women.  But his refusal to apologize for his campaign’s mistake clearly highlights the irony of the entire situation.  This is a perfect example of Senator Tester trying to have his cake and eat it too.  Attacking one group of women one day, then turning around and playacting to another group the other day. 

"Before he starts holding listening sessions to hear the concerns of women, Senator Tester should apologize for his campaign’s comments against Concerned Women for America.  His actions are disgraceful to the office he holds and women everywhere should hold Senator Tester accountable for his actions,” said Vice- Chairmen Christy Clark.  "That is why we are joining Concerned Women for America and demanding that Senator Tester issue an apology to women all over Montana for his comments exploiting a group that has a proven record of fighting against child pornography.”