Schweitzer sees change in the wind for (MT) governor's office | Missoulian

[Ediacara]

Schweitzer sees change in the wind for governor's office
Posted at 5:05 p.m. July 23
By BOB ANEZ AP Political Writer

WHITEFISH (AP) - Brian Schweitzer's border collies herded the escaped steer back into the pasture where it belonged.

"That'll do! That'll do!" he shouted, signaling the dogs they had done enough.

The Democratic candidate for governor has that same message after a dozen years of Republican control of the governor's office. Schweitzer believes Montana is due for change and matter-of-factly considers himself the right person at the right time for the 2004 gubernatorial race.

During a recent interview at his log home on his farm outside Whitefish, Schweitzer blamed years of GOP control for increased property taxes on homeowners and small business, skyrocketing college tuition, bottom-the-barrel wages and a lack of investment in Montana.

"People that have been running our government for the last 12 years have demonstrated how good they are," he said. "It's time for a change, somebody that will listen to folks, somebody that will bring some commonsense solutions."

More at the Missoulian
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Schweitzer's campaign site is here. I think he's the real deal, with or without Martz as his opponent.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. Tap the coal-trust fund?

Tap the coal-trust fund? I didn't know that was his plan. I don't think it will fly.

[CMT]

2. I think this will be a pick up for the Dems too

It is like my state (Wisconsin) we had GOP governors for twelve years and last year we elected a Democrat who now has the hard job of cleaning up their mess.

[jiacinto]

3. Could the GOP be swept out of every office in 2004

Could it drag down the whole statewide ticket next year?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. Yes, but

Yes, but tapping the coal-trust fund is not only not a good idea, it is not going to be very popular.

It's like if you tapped out your credit cards, blew all the money in the bank account, took out a second mortgage, and then decided you needed the kid's piggy bank in order to bet on the lottery.

on edit: It was the Dems in the state legislature that kept the unpopular Repub gov from tapping it. (needs a 3/4 vote of both leg houses)

[jiacinto]

6. Ok

I undestand.

[mndemocrat_29]

5. Governor's Races

I think that 2004 represents the best chance we have of taking back the House, the Senate, the governor's mansions, and the White House.

Some races to watch:

Montana-I think that we can take this with Schweitzer. Montana nearly elected him in 2000, and they'll want someone of his stature and tatent in office. This would be a great pickup.

Indiana-Mitch Daniels may be Frank O'Bannon's self-appointed successor, but I think that the Great Lakes states, which have been trending toward the Democrats in recent years, will see another governor in Joe Andrew, baffling Republicans who think that money can buy anything.

Washington-We'll pick this up easily with Christine Gregoire on the ticket.

Missouri-A primary battle will only invigorate Democrats. I suspect that Claire McCaskill will come out of the primary the winner and take this state.

Vermont-Jim Douglas doesn't stand a prayer in an election year in this liberal state.

There you have it. If we can keep at least 2 of the 3 seats in play in 2003 (or preferably all three), we could easily take the majority of the seats in 2004.

[jiacinto]

7. Could MT Dems win every statewide office

or all but one office the way IL Democrats did in 2002?

[mndemocrat_29]

8. Illinois Deja vu

If Democrats did win all of the seats but one, it would probably be Rep. Denny Rehberg's (Montana elects an AL House member) or Aud. John Morrison, both of whom have the power of incumbency. If a Democratic sweep occurs in Montana in 2004, Conrad Burns could become this cycle's Peter Fitzgerald.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

9. It all depends on the TOP of the ticket

n/t

[mndemocrat_29]

10. n/t?

I'm sorry. I'm kind of new at this. What does n/t mean?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

12. n/t means

n/t means no text. Everything was said in the subject line.

[mndemocrat_29]

13. Thanks

n/t

[jiacinto]

11. Burns narrowly won in 2000

That race in 2006 will get nasty.

[Ediacara]

14. well there are only 2 top of the ticket races

The governor, and the at-large house seat. Depending on the presidential nominee, the Republican gov nominee, and the house nominee, it COULD be a sweep. I strongly suspect that Martz could drag down Bush, especially if Dean, Clark or Graham is the nominee. The 2000 house election was very close, but 2002 wasn't because the dems didn't put forward an insider candidate. The fellow who did run is actually to the left of most DUers, is an artist, and has no political experience; yet he still got over 1/3 of the vote!

It will be close in all three races, no matter what.

I DO think that the dems have a good chance of taking the state house, as it has been trending dem recently due to urban ring districts.... kind of like suburbs, but actually not suburban.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

15. No, there is only one top

No, there is only one top of the ticket. The presidential race. That's what I meant. I think Schweitzer has a good chance no matter who is on top or what is going on but what I am hoping that a strong presidential tide can sweep a lot of other races along.

Who is challenging Rehberg?

[Ediacara]

16. no one yet

is challenging Rehberg. As much as I liked Steve Kelly, he really had no chance of getting over 40%.... Hopefully it's a serious candidate that can take the race for us.

[mndemocrat_29]

17. Rehberg

If we can get a decent candidate in this race, Montana AL has always had possibilities. Bob Matsui should give this seat a look.

[goobergunch]

18. This is our best '04 chance for a pick-up...

unless Martz gets primaried, in which case it drops down to a toss-up.