University of Montana student-athletes were approached with offers of thousands of dollars in exchange for endorsing Democratic Senator Jon Tester, a proponent of allowing transgender athletes to compete against biological women. The athletes received the offer as part of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal from a pro-Tester political organization called Montana Together. The offer included creating Instagram Reels supporting Tester and various political causes, promising payment ranging from $400 to $2,400.
The athletes received the opportunity through an email forwarded by the senior associate athletic director to promote Tester and causes they care about. Tester’s voting record against bills like the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act caused controversy among Montana’s college athletes, who support fair competition in women’s sports.
Tester’s opponent in the upcoming election, Tim Sheehy, is a Navy SEAL veteran endorsed by former President Donald Trump, adding to the intensity of the race. Despite the high-profile endorsements, Tester has made efforts to appeal to voters in the traditionally red state of Montana, confirming that he would not be endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential election.
Tester’s campaign has also launched initiatives like “Republicans for Tester” to gain support from across the political spectrum. The influence of national politics in the local race has prompted Tester to focus on representing Montana values and interests. Overall, the push and pull between political interests and local values are shaping the narrative of the Montana Senate race in the upcoming elections.
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