View source for Denny Rehberg

{{Short description|American politician (born 1955)}}
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name         = Denny Rehberg
|image        = Denny Rehberg, official portrait, 111th Congress.jpg
|caption      = Official portrait, 2008
|state        = [[Montana]]
|district     = {{ushr|MT|AL|at-large}}
|term_start   = January 3, 2001
|term_end     = January 3, 2013
|predecessor  = [[Rick Hill]]
|successor    = [[Steve Daines]]
|office1      = 30th [[Lieutenant Governor of Montana]]
|governor1    = [[Stan Stephens]]<br>[[Marc Racicot]]
|term_start1  = January 20, 1991
|term_end1    = January 6, 1997
|predecessor1 = [[Allen Kolstad]]
|successor1   = [[Judy Martz]]
|state_house2 = Montana
|district2    = 88th
|term_start2  = January 1985
|term_end2    = January 7, 1991
|predecessor2 = [[Harrison Fagg]]
|successor2   = Royal Johnson
|birth_name   = Dennis Ray Rehberg
|birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1955|10|5}}
|birth_place  = [[Billings, Montana]], U.S.
|death_date   = 
|death_place  = 
|party        = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|spouse       = {{marriage|Jan Rehberg|1988|}}
|children     = 3
|education    = [[Montana State University]]<br>[[Washington State University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
}}
'''Dennis Ray Rehberg'''<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/campaign-2012/candidates/dennis-denny-ray-rehberg-1162/ Dennis Rehberg Bio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820013519/http://www.washingtontimes.com/campaign-2012/candidates/dennis-denny-ray-rehberg-1162/ |date=2012-08-20}} Washington Times.</ref> (born October 5, 1955) is an American rancher, cattle and cashmere farmer, and retired [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politician. He served as the [[Lieutenant Governor of Montana|lieutenant governor of Montana]] from 1991 to 1997 and as the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. representative]] for {{ushr|MT|AL}} from 2001 to 2013. Rehberg was the Republican nominee for the [[United States Senate]] in [[1996 United States Senate election in Montana|1996]] and [[2012 United States Senate election in Montana|2012]], losing to [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] incumbents [[Max Baucus]] 50% to 45% and [[Jon Tester]] 49% to 45%, respectively.<ref name="nyt20111223">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/denny-rehberg-gets-mining-industry-backing-in-montana-senate-bid.html?exprod=myyahoo|title=Mining Companies Back Friend's Bid for Senate|last=Lipton|first=Eric|date=December 23, 2011|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 24, 2011}}</ref> He subsequently became a co-chairman at Mercury, a [[Washington, D.C.|Washington D.C.]] [[lobbying]] firm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/145005-former-rep-rehberg-joins-k-street-firm/|title=Former Rep. Rehberg joins K Street firm|first=Meghashyam|last=Mali|date=March 18, 2013|work=thehill.com|access-date=August 2, 2016}}</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>{{cite web |url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/rehberg.htm |title=Dennis R. "Denny" Rehberg: b. October 5, 1955 Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT |publisher=rootsweb.ancestry.com |access-date=March 1, 2012 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313235202/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~battle/reps/rehberg.htm |url-status=dead}}</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">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/campaign-2012/candidates/dennis-denny-ray-rehberg-1162/|title=Washington Times 2012 Election Coverage|work=Washington Times|access-date=August 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820013519/http://www.washingtontimes.com/campaign-2012/candidates/dennis-denny-ray-rehberg-1162/|archive-date=August 20, 2012}}</ref>

From 1996 to 2001, Rehberg managed the Rehberg Ranch near Billings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Matthew |last2=Hanson |first2=Amy Beth |date=2024-06-01 |title=From his Montana ranch, a retired lawmaker is angling for a comeback in a crowded House race |url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-montana-house-rehberg-134bcc73496dab8ee06097e67f685080 |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=Former GOP representative mulling comeback bid in Montana |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/07/danny-rehberg-montana-election-00140171 |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> He oversaw a herd of 500 cattle and 600 cashmere goats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rehberg.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=12&sectiontree=3,12 |title=Congressman Denny Rehberg : Biography |publisher=Rehberg.house.gov |date=2010-08-17 |access-date=2010-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914060725/http://rehberg.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=12&sectiontree=3,12 |archive-date=2010-09-14 |url-status=dead}}</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.|Washington D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_d5b83988-5006-11df-afda-001cc4c002e0.html |title=This time, Rehberg faces busy primary |publisher=Billings Gazette |date=April 25, 2010 |access-date=June 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/montana-senate-race-2012-6541718 |title=In Montana Senate Race, the Wolves Come Out for Obama |access-date=June 15, 2012 |date=2011-11-04}}</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 House of Representatives|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>{{Cite web | title=Jun 10, 1984, page 8 - The Billings Gazette at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com | url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/412767762/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609042521/https://www.newspapers.com/image/412767762/ | access-date=2025-08-24 | archive-date=2025-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hcn.org/issues/44-15/who-is-denny-rehberg-really/ | title=Who is Denny Rehberg, really? | date=September 3, 2012 }}</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>{{Cite web | title=Jan 31, 1990, page 15 - The Billings Gazette at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com | url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/415734226/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609042521/https://www.newspapers.com/image/415734226/ | access-date=2025-08-24 | archive-date=2025-06-09}}</ref> He was succeeded by Royal C. Johnson in the State House.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Oct 06, 1990, page 21 - The Billings Gazette at Newspapers.com - Newspapers.com | url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/413626645/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609042521/https://www.newspapers.com/image/413626645/ | access-date=2025-08-24 | archive-date=2025-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=969336 | title=Our Campaigns - MT State House 088 Race - Nov 06, 1990 }}</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>{{cite web|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/022600montana-dems.html|title=Democrats Look to Montana for Break in Republican Sea|website=archive.nytimes.com |last=Janofsky |first=Michael |date=February 26, 2000}}</ref> He was succeeded as lieutenant governor by fellow Republican [[Judy Martz]].

=== 1996 U.S. Senate election ===
{{Main|1996 United States Senate election in Montana}}
He ran for a seat in the [[United States Senate]] against incumbent [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] U.S. Senator [[Max Baucus]], but lost, 50% to 45%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=175 |title=MT US Senate Race – November 05, 1996 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>

== U.S. House of Representatives ==

=== Elections ===
;2000
{{Main|2000 United States House of Representatives election in Montana}}
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>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=213540 |title=MT US Senate- R Primary Race – June 4, 1996 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref> In the general election, he defeated Democratic State School Superintendent [[Nancy Keenan]] 52%–46%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=703 |title=MT At-Large Race – November 7, 2000 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>

;2002
{{Main|2002 United States House of Representatives election in Montana}}
He won re-election to a second term with 65%, against Steven Dickman Kelly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=1195 |title=MT At-Large Race – November 5, 2002 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=July 28, 2012}}</ref>

;2004
{{Main|2004 United States House of Representatives election in Montana}}
He won re-election against [[Tracy Velazquez]] to a third term with 64%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=4219 |title=MT At-Large Race – November 2, 2004 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=July 28, 2012}}</ref>

;2006
{{Main|2006 United States House of Representatives election in Montana}}
He won re-election to a fourth term against Democratic state representative [[Monica J. Lindeen|Monica Lindeen]] 59%–39%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=206985 |title=MT – At-Large Race – November 7, 2006 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>

;2008
{{Main|2008 United States House of Representatives election in Montana}}
He won re-election to a fifth term against Democratic state representative [[John Driscoll (Montana politician)|John Driscoll]] 64%–32%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=389423 |title=MT – At-Large Race – November 4, 2008 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>

;2010
{{Main|2010 United States House of Representatives election in Montana}}
He won re-election to a sixth term against Democrat Dennis McDonald 60%–33%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=496800 |title=MT – At-Large Race – November 2, 2010 |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>

=== Tenure ===
;National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act (H.R. 1505)
In 2012 Rehberg co-sponsored H.R. 1505,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt448/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt448-pt1.pdf|title= H.R. 1505|access-date= 2012-08-14}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://naturalresources.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=11663|title=Securing Our Borders|author=Department of Natural Resources Web Page|access-date=2012-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913075746/http://naturalresources.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=11663|archive-date=2012-09-13|url-status=dead}}</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>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4tkvIIoLZQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/Y4tkvIIoLZQ |archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Exchange Between Senator Tester and Secretary Janet Napolitano on DHS Authority on Public Lands |website=[[YouTube]] |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=2012-08-14}}{{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>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll277.xml|title=Final vote results for roll call 277|publisher=Clerk of the House of Representatives|date=2011-04-15|author=house.gov|access-date=2011-04-23}}</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>{{cite news |url=http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/10/montana-gop-rep-worries-poor-people-are-bilking-the-school-lunch-program.php |title=Montana GOPer Fears School Lunch Fraud Is Eating Taxpayer Money |publisher=TPM |access-date=December 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104223550/http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/10/montana-gop-rep-worries-poor-people-are-bilking-the-school-lunch-program.php |archive-date=January 4, 2012 }}</ref>

;Iraq War
Rehberg voted for the [[Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002]].<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2002/roll455.xml Roll call vote], Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V3202&can_id=404 |title=2011 National Key Votes – Project Vote Smart |publisher=Project Vote Smart |access-date=2011-12-25}} {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</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>{{cite web |url=http://www.vote-smart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=404&type=category&category=47&go.x=9&go.y=9 |title=Project Vote Smart – Representative Dennis 'Denny' Rehberg – Voting Record |publisher=Project Vote Smart |access-date=2010-08-23}} {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.vote-smart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=404&type=category&category=30&go.x=3&go.y=8|title=Project Vote Smart – Representative Dennis 'Denny' Rehberg – Voting Record|publisher=Project Vote Smart|access-date=2010-08-23}} {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> He is currently one of the foremost critics on keeping the [[gray wolf]] on the endangered species list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/opinions/article_ed8bbe20-bd31-11df-b783-001cc4c03286.html |title=Listening is first step in crafting wolf legislation |date=September 13, 2010 |access-date=2010-09-13}}</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>{{cite web |url=http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=BC033113 |title=Project Vote Smart – Representative Dennis 'Denny' Rehberg – Issue Positions (Political Courage Test) |publisher=Project Vote Smart |access-date=2010-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215154150/http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=BC033113 |archive-date=2006-12-15}}</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>{{cite web |url=http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=12684&can_id=404 |title=Project Vote Smart – Representative Rehberg on HR 1592 – Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 |publisher=Project Vote Smart |access-date=2010-08-23}} {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> In the December 26, 1994, issue of ''[[Newsweek]]'', p.&nbsp;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 [https://www.mcgill.ca/files/biomedicalethicsunit/KingImmigrationRaceandGeographiesofDifference.pdf ''Return of the White Plague, Sec. 2, Immigration, Race and Geographies of Difference in the Tuberculosis Pandemic''] {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}, [[McGill University]], 2003, Accessed May 3, 2013.</ref>

===Committee assignments===
;112th Congress (2011–2012)
* [[United States House Committee on Appropriations|Committee on Appropriations]]

;111th Congress (2009–2010)
* [[United States House Committee on Appropriations|Committee on Appropriations]]
** [[United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development|Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development]]
** [[United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies|Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies]] (chairman)
** [[United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch|Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch]]

;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
* [[United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus|International Conservation Caucus]]  <ref>{{cite web |url=http://royce.house.gov/internationalconservation/members.html |title=U.S. Congressional International Conservation Caucus Members |publisher=House of Representatives |access-date=2011-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324151021/http://royce.house.gov/internationalconservation/members.html |archive-date=2012-03-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== 2012 U.S. Senate election ==
{{See also|2012 United States Senate election in Montana}}

On February 6, 2011, Rehberg announced that he would challenge Senator [[Jon Tester]] (D-MT) in 2012.<ref>{{official website|http://dennyrehberg.com/}} {{cite web |url=http://www.dennyrehberg.com// |title=Web Server's Default Page |access-date=2017-09-08 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20101202195712/http%3A//www%2Edennyrehberg%2Ecom// |archive-date=December 2, 2010 }}</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>{{cite web|title=Montana race could tip balance of power in U.S. Senate|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-04-04/montana-senate-race/54013908/1|publisher=USA Today|date=2012-04-04|access-date=2012-09-29|archive-date=2014-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110090301/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-04-04/montana-senate-race/54013908/1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to ''[[Salon.com|Salon]]'', it was a "race that pundits are saying could be a tough challenge for Tester."<ref name="salon">{{cite news|last=Elliott|first=Justin|title=Senate hopeful was involved in drunken boat crash|url=http://www.salon.com/2011/02/02/rehberg_montana_senate/singleton/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201182331/http://www.salon.com/2011/02/02/rehberg_montana_senate/singleton/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2013|newspaper=Salon|date=February 2, 2011}}</ref> Political scientist [[Larry Sabato]] predicted a narrow Rehberg victory, pointing out that Rehberg had led in 10 of 13 recent polls.<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Tilts Toward Obama, Senate Democrats|date=September 27, 2012 |url=http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/election-tilts-toward-obama-senate-democrats/|publisher=Sabato's Crystal Ball|access-date=2012-09-29}}</ref> However, Tester eventually defeated Rehberg, 48.7% to 44.8%.<ref>{{cite news|title=Montana|url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/results/states/montana|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=November 10, 2012}}</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>{{cite web|title=Rehberg considers run for former U.S. House seat|url=http://missoulian.com/news/local/rehberg-hasn-t-ruled-out-run-for-former-u-s/article_ec266dae-7418-11e3-80c0-001a4bcf887a.html|publisher=The Missoulian|date=January 1, 2014|access-date=January 1, 2014}}</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 [[Uyghurs|Uyghur Muslims]] in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China <ref name="Kaminsky">{{Cite web |last=Kaminsky |first=Gabe |date=2024-05-24 |title=This GOP candidate says China is 'our enemy' — he represented a CCP-owned company - Washington Examiner |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/3014005/denny-rehberg-china-lobbyist/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=US adds Hikvision subsidiaries from Xinjiang to its trade blacklist |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3215185/us-adds-hikvision-subsidiaries-xinjiang-its-trade-blacklist |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ipvideomarket |date=2022-06-14 |title=Hikvision Cameras Used to Catch Uyghurs Featured in Xinjiang Police Files |url=https://ipvm.com/reports/xinjiang-police-files |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=IPVM |language=en}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-19 |title=For some Uyghur Americans, worries over detained family members loom over Biden-Xi summit |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/uyghur-americans-worries-detained-family-members-loom-biden-xi-summit-rcna125730 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='They took my sister': Uyghur activist says her work led to sibling's detention in China |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2023/12/09/they-took-my-sister-uyghur-activist-says-her-work-led-to-siblings-detention-in-china/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</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 [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlive.com/wrightstuff/2006/12/religion_in_the_house_by_state.html|title=Religion in the House by state and by faith|last=Whiteside|first=Mary Ann Chick|date=2006-12-16|work=M Live|access-date=2024-07-31}}</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>{{cite web |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00004645&year=2008 |title=Denny Rehberg (R-Mont) |publisher=OpenSecrets |date=2008 |access-date=2010-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820030201/http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00004645&year=2008 |archive-date=2010-08-20}}</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">{{cite web|last1=Terkel|first1=Amanda|title=Minimum Wage Emerging As Key Issue In Montana Senate Race Between Jon Tester, Denny Rehberg|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/24/minimum-wage-montana-senate-tester-rehberg_n_866243.html|website=TheHuffingtonPost.com|access-date=February 11, 2016|date=May 24, 2011}}</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">{{cite news|last=Ann |first=Mary |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2009/08/rep_rehberg_hospitalized_boat.html?hpid=topnews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112041822/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2009/08/rep_rehberg_hospitalized_boat.html?hpid=topnews |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |title=The Sleuth – Rep. Rehberg Hospitalized, Boat Crash Under Investigation |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |access-date=2010-08-23}}</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>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/sep/14/us-boat-crash-rescuers-091409/ |title=Campers recount Montana boat crash, rescue|work=San Diego Union Tribune |date=September 14, 2009 |access-date=April 23, 2013}}</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 whisky|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>{{cite news|first=Tristan |last=Scott
|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_a9be2c7e-a94a-11de-9077-001cc4c03286.html |title=Rehberg irresponsible for crash role, challenger says |newspaper=Billings Gazette |date=2009-09-24 |access-date=2010-08-23}}</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 [http://www.ravallirepublic.com/news/state-and-regional/article_a69a0390-1206-503f-9b2d-51e02dc7cdbf.html "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>{{cite web|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_e10d846e-87e2-11df-8042-001cc4c002e0.html/ |title=Rehberg Ranch Estates sues city of Billings|publisher=Billings Gazette |date=2010-07-04 |access-date=2011-03-25}}</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>{{cite news|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_d5ca1048-e225-11df-ba55-001cc4c002e0.html/ |title=Rehberg lawsuit against city firefighters sits idle|newspaper=Billings Gazette |date=2010-10-27 |access-date=2011-03-25}}</ref>

The city of Billings spent nearly $21,000 defending itself against the lawsuit before it was dropped by Rehberg.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/city-of-billings-spent-k-defending-against-rehberg-lawsuit/article_425f542e-687c-11e1-829a-0019bb2963f4.html|title=City of Billings spent $21K defending against Rehberg lawsuit|publisher=The Missoulian |date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=2012-05-23}}</ref>

=== Memberships ===
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=June 2019}}
* 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 ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ {{ushr|Montana|AL|}}: Results 2000–2010<ref name="clerkresults">{{cite web|url=http://history.house.gov/Institution/Election-Statistics/Election-Statistics/ |title=Election Statistics, 1920 to Present |access-date=November 10, 2016 |publisher=Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref>
! Year
!
! Republican
! Votes
! Pct
!
! Democratic
! Votes
! Pct
!
! Libertarian
! Votes
! Pct
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2000|2000]]
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Denny Rehberg'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |211,418
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{pct|211418|410521|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|[[Nancy Keenan]]}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |180,971
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{pct|180971|410521|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{nowrap|James J. Tikalsky}}
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |9,132
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{pct|9132|410521|1}}
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2002|2002]]
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Denny Rehberg (inc.)'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |214,100
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{pct|214100|331321|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|Steve Kelly}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |108,233
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{pct|108233|331321|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{nowrap|[[Mike Fellows (politician)|Mike Fellows]]}}
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |8,988
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{pct|8988|331321|1}}
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2004|2004]]
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Denny Rehberg (inc.)'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |286,076
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{pct|286076|444230|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|[[Tracy Velazquez]]}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |145,606
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{pct|145606|444230|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{nowrap|Mike Fellows}}
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |12,458
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{pct|12458|444230|1}}
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2006|2006]]
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Denny Rehberg (inc.)'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |239,124
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{pct|239124|406125|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|[[Monica Lindeen]]}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |158,916
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{pct|158916|406125|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{nowrap|Mike Fellows}}
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |8,085
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{pct|8085|406125|1}}
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2008|2008]]
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Denny Rehberg (inc.)'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |307,132
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{pct|307132|478127|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|[[John Driscoll (Montana politician)|John Driscoll]]}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |154,713
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{pct|154713|478127|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{nowrap|Mike Fellows}}
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |16,282
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{pct|16282|478127|1}}
|-
|[[U.S. House election, 2010|2010]]
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Denny Rehberg (inc.)'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |217,696
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{pct|217696|360341|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|Dennis McDonald}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |121,954
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{pct|121954|360341|1}}
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{nowrap|Mike Fellows}}
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |20,691
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |{{pct|20691|260341|1}}
|}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.house.gov/rehberg/ Congressman Denny Rehberg] official U.S. House website
* {{webarchive |url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20101202195712/http%3A//www%2Edennyrehberg%2Ecom// |title=Denny Rehberg for Senate |date=2010-12-02}}
* {{C-SPAN|45759}}
* {{CongLinks | congbio=r000571 | votesmart=404 | fec=H0MT00033 | congress=denny-rehberg/1657 }}

{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Allen Kolstad]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Lieutenant Governor of Montana]]|years=1991–1997}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Judy Martz]]}}
|-
{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Rick Hill]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[List of United States representatives from Montana|U.S. House of Representatives]]<br>from [[Montana's at-large congressional district]]|years=2001–2013}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Steve Daines]]}}
|-
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Allen Kolstad]]}}
{{s-ttl|title={{nowrap|[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[List of United States Senators from Montana|U.S. Senator]] from [[Montana]]}}<br>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 2]])|years=[[1996 United States Senate election in Montana|1996]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Mike Taylor (Montana)|Mike Taylor]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Conrad Burns]]}}
{{s-ttl|title={{nowrap|[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[List of United States Senators from Montana|U.S. Senator]] from [[Montana]]}}<br>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 1]])|years=[[2012 United States Senate election in Montana|2012]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Matt Rosendale]]}}
|-
{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Scott McInnis]]|as=Former U.S. Representative}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of precedence of the United States]]<br>''{{small|as Former U.S. Representative}}''|years=}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sid Morrison]]|as=Former U.S. Representative}}
{{s-end}}

{{Lieutenant governors of Montana}}
{{MontanaUSRepresentatives}}
{{USCongRep-start |congresses=107th–112th [[United States Congress]]es |state=[[United States congressional delegations from Montana|Montana]]}}
{{USCongRep/MT/107}}
{{USCongRep/MT/108}}
{{USCongRep/MT/109}}
{{USCongRep/MT/110}}
{{USCongRep/MT/111}}
{{USCongRep/MT/112}}
{{USCongRep-end}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rehberg, Denny}}
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Montana Legislature]]
[[Category:21st-century United States representatives]]
[[Category:American Episcopalians]]
[[Category:American people of German descent]]
[[Category:American people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 1996 United States elections]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2012 United States elections]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2024 United States House of Representatives elections]]
[[Category:Lieutenant governors of Montana]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of Congress who became lobbyists]]
[[Category:Montana State University alumni]]
[[Category:Politicians from Billings, Montana]]
[[Category:Ranchers from Montana]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the Montana House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Montana]]
[[Category:Tea Party movement activists]]
[[Category:United States congressional aides]]
[[Category:Washington State University alumni]]