A former music teacher and a Democrat, Tester, 48, has been on a state tour promoting his candidacy for U.S. Senate since Tuesday.
The tour began in his hometown of Big Sandy. He has driven through Havre, Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman, Butte and, finally, Missoula.
Too many working-class people in Montana have been pushed into the ranks of the working poor, Tester said.
After his initial swing through the state, Tester said he will begin a tour of Montana's Indian reservations. "You can't address Montana's economic issues unless you address the employment issues on reservations," he said.
He added that the state needs to start working with tribes on a government-to-government level.
Pearl Jam bassist and youth vote proponent Jeff Ament was at Wednesday afternoon's stopover in Missoula, and said he agrees with most of Tester's political agenda.
Ament, who grew up in Big Sandy with Tester, said preserving rural Montana is key to gaining young votes.
"Keeping rural Montana alive has so much to do with the youth of Montana," Ament said. "You see these small, rural communities dying and it's killing the hope for the youth. If he becomes a part of the federal Senate, he could make a big difference."
A third-generation Montana farmer, Tester was born in Havre. His organic farm grows wheat, barley, hay and alfalfa.
The University of Great Falls alumnus served four sessions in the Montana Senate, most recently as Senate president.
Tester is the third Democrat to announce his candidacy for the Senate seat. State Auditor John Morrison, 43, of Helena and newcomer Clint Wilkes, 55, of Bozeman are also running.
Tester's wife, Sharla, said Tester wanted the entire family's approval before he decided to run for U.S. Senate. "It had to be unanimous, and it was," she said.
Tester's son, Shon, said no matter what happens, his father will be pleased with the outcome.
"It's a win-win situation," the younger Tester said. "If he wins the election, he will get to represent this state, and if he loses, he'll be back on the farm and the place that he loves."
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