Denny Rehberg
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox officeholder Dennis Ray Rehberg<ref>Dennis Rehberg Bio Template:Webarchive Washington Times.</ref> (born October 5, 1955) is an American rancher, cattle and cashmere farmer, and retired Republican politician. He served as the lieutenant governor of Montana from 1991 to 1997 and as the U.S. representative for Template:Ushr from 2001 to 2013. Rehberg was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in 1996 and 2012, losing to Democratic incumbents Max Baucus 50% to 45% and Jon Tester 49% to 45%, respectively.<ref name="nyt20111223">Template:Cite news</ref> He subsequently became a co-chairman at Mercury, a Washington D.C. lobbying firm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2024, Rehberg ran for Congress in Montana's 2nd congressional district, but was defeated in the Republican primary.
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He attended Billings West High School and Montana State University before transferring to Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in public administration.<ref name="watimes2012">Template:Cite web</ref>
From 1996 to 2001, Rehberg managed the Rehberg Ranch near Billings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He oversaw a herd of 500 cattle and 600 cashmere goats.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After being elected to Congress, Rehberg gave up ranching, citing the difficulty of managing a herd whilst travelling between Montana and Washington D.C.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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 for the 88th district. He defeated eight term incumbent Harrison Fagg in the Republican primary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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. He declined to run for a fourth term to his state legislative seat in 1990.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was succeeded by Royal C. Johnson in the State House.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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. Rehberg stepped down from his post to run for U.S. Senate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was succeeded as lieutenant governor by fellow Republican Judy Martz.
1996 U.S. Senate election
Template:Main He ran for a seat in the United States Senate against incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Max Baucus, but lost, 50% to 45%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
- 2000
Template:Main 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the general election, he defeated Democratic State School Superintendent Nancy Keenan 52%–46%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2002
Template:Main He won re-election to a second term with 65%, against Steven Dickman Kelly.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2004
Template:Main He won re-election against Tracy Velazquez to a third term with 64%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2006
Template:Main He won re-election to a fourth term against Democratic state representative Monica Lindeen 59%–39%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2008
Template:Main He won re-election to a fifth term against Democratic state representative John Driscoll 64%–32%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2010
Template:Main He won re-election to a sixth term against Democrat Dennis McDonald 60%–33%.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Tenure
- National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act (H.R. 1505)
In 2012 Rehberg co-sponsored H.R. 1505,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
- Economic record
On April 15, 2011, Rehberg was one of four Republican members of Congress to vote against The Path to Prosperity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 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.<ref name=tpm201110>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Iraq War
Rehberg voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.<ref>Roll call vote, Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref>
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).<ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref>
- 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.<ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref> He is currently one of the foremost critics on keeping the gray wolf on the endangered species list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 woman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref> In the December 26, 1994, issue of Newsweek, p. 83, then lieutenant 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.<ref>King, Nicholas Return of the White Plague, Sec. 2, Immigration, Race and Geographies of Difference in the Tuberculosis Pandemic Template:Dead link, McGill University, 2003, Accessed May 3, 2013.</ref>
Committee assignments
- 112th Congress (2011–2012)
- 111th Congress (2009–2010)
- 110th Congress (2007–2008)
- House Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on House Committee on House Committee on Financial Services and General Government
- Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education
- 109th Congress (2005–2006)
- House Committee on Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies -
- Subcommittee on Foreign Operations Export Financing and Related Programs
- Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies
Caucus memberships
- Congressional Rural Caucus
- Co-chair, Small Brewers Caucus
- Co-chair, Congressional Baby Caucus
- Co-chair, Northern Border Caucus
- Former Chair, Drought Advisory Committee
- Firefighter Caucus
- Forest Caucus
- House Vice Chair, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Congressional Caucus
- Liberty Caucus
- Northwest Energy Caucus
- Republican Study Committee
- Tea Party Caucus
- Sportsmen's Caucus
- Western Caucus
- International Conservation Caucus <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2012 U.S. Senate election
On February 6, 2011, Rehberg announced that he would challenge Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) in 2012.<ref>Template:Official website Template:Cite web</ref> The outcome of the race was expected to have a significant impact on which party controlled the United States Senate during the 113th Congress.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
According to Salon, it was a "race that pundits are saying could be a tough challenge for Tester."<ref name="salon">Template:Cite news</ref> Political scientist Larry Sabato predicted a narrow Rehberg victory, pointing out that Rehberg had led in 10 of 13 recent polls.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Tester eventually defeated Rehberg, 48.7% to 44.8%.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The seat was ultimately won by Republican Ryan Zinke.
2024 U.S. House election
Rehberg ran in 2024 in the primary for Montana's 2nd congressional district, which was held by Representative Matt Rosendale. Rehberg was criticized by foreign policy experts and human rights activists over the fact that he previously lobbied as a registered foreign agent at the firm Mercury Public Affairs for Hikvision, a Chinese state-owned video surveillance company that was sanctioned by the U.S. government for aiding China's government in the detainment and surveillance of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China <ref name="Kaminsky">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Rehberg lobbied for Hikvision against U.S. sanctions while working at Mercury, though claimed to the Washington Examiner in May 2024 that he "has no knowledge or idea of what happened” in China with Hikvision, seeking to distance himself from the company's activities.<ref name="Kaminsky"/> Rushan Abbas, a Uyghur American activist and advocate from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China, said it's “extremely disappointing” Rehberg prioritized “profit from China’s blood money over human rights and human dignity."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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. He is an Episcopalian.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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."<ref name="TerkelMinWage">Template:Cite web</ref>
Boating crash
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, Montana on Flathead Lake. Montana State Senate Majority Whip Greg Barkus was driving the boat.<ref name="salon" /><ref name="washingtonpost1">Template:Cite news</ref>
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.<ref name="washingtonpost1"/> Rehberg sustained a broken ankle and rib fractures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.'" <ref name="washingtonpost1"/> 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'."<ref name="salon"/> Rehberg released his BAC, measured several hours after the crash, at an alleged 0.05 percent.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Barkus, who had other driving violations and previously had plea bargained a DUI case down, 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.<ref>Scott, Tristan "Judge rejects plea deal in Greg Barkus boat crash case", Ravalli Republic, January 20, 2011. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The city of Billings spent nearly $21,000 defending itself against the lawsuit before it was dropped by Rehberg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Memberships
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- Member, Billings Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Billings Downtown Rotary Club
- Former Chair, Montana Rural Development Council
- Member, Montana Stockgrowers Association
- State Chair, Muscular Dystrophy Association
- National Guard and Reserve Components Congressional Members Organization.
Electoral history
References
External links
- Congressman Denny Rehberg official U.S. House website
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- 1955 births
- 20th-century members of the Montana Legislature
- 21st-century United States representatives
- American Episcopalians
- American people of German descent
- American people of Irish descent
- American people of Scottish descent
- Candidates in the 1996 United States elections
- Candidates in the 2012 United States elections
- Candidates in the 2024 United States House of Representatives elections
- Lieutenant governors of Montana
- Living people
- Members of Congress who became lobbyists
- Montana State University alumni
- Politicians from Billings, Montana
- Ranchers from Montana
- Republican Party members of the Montana House of Representatives
- Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Montana
- Tea Party movement activists
- United States congressional aides
- Washington State University alumni