At Rehberg Campaign Event, Christie Calls Montana Sen. Tester A ‘Phony’

A fired up  Chris Christie has called Montana Democrat U.S. Sen. Jon Tester a "phony" who does not represent Montana values.

It was a snowy evening as Christie called on Republicans to rally behind Tester challenger Representative  Denny Rehberg at a fundraising reception with Rehberg on Friday. About 60 supporters attended the $250-per-person event in Billings.

Rehberg was happy to have Christie help rally his campaign. "You can't do any better. I mean, the keynote speaker of the Republican Convention?" asked Rehberg of the crowd.

Christie says Tester turned his back on Montana since his election six years ago and lined up behind Democratic leaders like Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. By contrast, Christie says Rehberg has remained true to his constituents during six terms in the House.

"He might as well be Harry Reid's butler." said Christie of Tester reports KULR TV.

Christie also suggested that Tester step down instead of run for re-election. "What he should do after the record he's put together, over the last six years, he should come back and just say 'Thank you. Thank you so much for giving me a job that I didn't earn, and I don't deserve.'" said Christie.

Tester's campaign spokesman, Aaron Murphy, responded by criticizing Rehberg's claim to be a rancher even though much of his family ranch has been converted into a subdivision.

Murphy says "that's as phony as phony gets."

Christie has been campaigning aggressively for Republican candidates in a number of states and for presidential nominee Mitt Romney. He'll be in Michigan today according to the Star Ledger before heading to Washington D.C. on Sunday to watch his son Patrick play hockey.

But he'll be back on the campaign trail on Tuesday, heading to Youngstown, Ohio for a rally the same day Preisdent Obama hold an event with will.i.am of  Black Eyed Peas at Ohio State University in Columbus.

The Associated Press contributed to this report