Rehberg sees solution to "fiscal cliff" problem

(WASHINGTON, DC)- Representative Denny Rehberg believes he has the solution to help Congress and the Obama Administration solve the "fiscal cliff" problem looming over Washington, D.C. right now.

Leaders are looking for a new budget deal in time to prevent the automatic spending cuts and tax increases that are set to take effect this coming year. 

Rehberg, who has kept a low profile since losing his U.S. Senate race earlier this month, tells MTN News he has a solution that would balance the budget, by focusing on two specific entitlements contained in the Obama healthcare plan. 

Rehberg says by limiting the expansion of Medicaid and subsidizing insurance premiums would result in savings of $1.4-trillion and would "solve the problem." 

Court orders release of docs in Barkus-Rehberg boat crash

Barkus crashed his boat near Bigfork in August 2009- KPAX TV photo(HELENA)- A judge is ordering the release of pre-sentencing documents over a drunk boating crash three years ago involving former State Senator Greg Barkus. 

The crash in August 2009 came after Barkus was returning back across Flathead Lake with Congressman Denny Rehberg, Barkus' wife and two of Rehberg's staffers in his boat. But the vessel crashed into the rocks in the near darkness as it approached Wayfarer State Park in Bigfork injuring those on board. 

Barkus was charged with being intoxicated at the time of the crash and pled guilty to some of those charges in 2010. 

However, the complete circumstances of the crash have never been fully disclosed to the public. 

Now, Judge John McKeon has ruled in favor of the request from a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group to release Barkus' pre-sentencing report, saying the disclosure is in the public interest. KPAX TV reports that the documents will be redacted to remove health information and other "personal information" about the passengers. 

There was no immediate indication on when the documents will be released, but its expected they'll be available Thursday. With the election just days away, Barkus' attorney had argued unsuccessfully that the request was politically motivated. 

Senate candidates debate healthcare and Medicare

MTN photo(BOZEMAN)- Although there are a long list of issues that could be debated in Montana's U.S. Senate race, the contest keeps coming back to the controversy over "Obamacare" and how Medicare patients will be cared for. 

Those two themes were on the table again this weekend, as incumbent Senator Jon Tester and Representative Denny Rehberg faced off for the final debate before Election Day. 

The debate was aired statewide on the MTN Network stations, giving both men one last opportunity to broadcast their message across the Treasure State. 

KPAX TV reports Tester defended his support of the federal health care reform legislation, saying "we have to get people insured", citing his experience as a small business owner operating his family ranch. But Rehberg pointed to his own business experience, saying he had to go to the bank to help fund healthcare for his operation. 

Tester accused Rehberg of not reading the healthcare bill, saying it's not "government healthcare", but a means to force insurance companies to be more competitive. 

When Tester asked Rehberg about claims that he's tried to shift Medicare to a voucher system, the Billings Republican said he's never voted to "harm Medicare" and promised he will never vote to privative that program, or Social Security. 

Report on drunk boating accident may not be released before Election Day

A court document that may provide more details about a drunk boating accident on Flathead Lake where Congressman Denny Rehberg was injured might be released near Election Day.

The accident happened just over 3-years ago when Rehberg was riding with former Montana State Senator Greg Barkus, as they were returning back to Bigfork after having dinner on the west side of Flathead Lake. Authorities said Barkus was intoxicated when he ran the boat into the cliffs, injuring himself, his wife, Rehberg and one of his aides. 

Barkus would later plead guilty to reduced charges of criminal endangerment.

Now it appears the pre-sentencing reports in the case may be released in response to a request filed by the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics.

The Bozeman Chronicle reports CREW only became aware of the accident recently and this week the District Court judge who handled Barkus' case agreed that releasing the report now is in the public interest. He's given Barkus, and Rehberg, until October 23rd to submit their arguments against releasing the report.

Rehberg stumps state as Montanans begin casting ballots

Rehberg speaks to supporters in Billings- Rehberg campaign photo(BILLINGS)- With mailed ballots starting to arrive in the mail boxes of Montana voters, Congressman Denny Rehberg is hitting the road for one of the last major pushes for the 2012 campaign. 

Rehberg is hoping to convince more voters to swing his way in the very tight race for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Jon Tester. 

Rehberg left Billings on the six-day, cross-state tour on Tuesday, starting in Eastern Montana and working his way west through 19-Montana towns and cities. He's dubbed the trip the "LIberate Main Street Tour", sounding his familar themes of cutting government regulation as a means of promoting small business and economic growth.