Montana Senator Jon Tester, one of the most vulnerable Democrats this election cycle, is trying to avoid political blame after a mine company announced it was laying off hundreds of union workers last month. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why Tester is being blamed for the layoffs and how it’s impacting his race. Plus, the next major move in the battle over the West’s most important river will be decided by the next president.

James Bikales is the host of Morning Energy and a reporter for POLITICO.

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.

Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.

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Inside the Montana mine mess complicating Sen. Tester’s campaign