Look west Democrats gets even more play

Here's yet another Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer profile. After digesting this, any reader will have a better understanding that the Dems have a national winner in the Big Sky State, one who will play well throughout this country if the opportunity arises.

The Kerrys, the Bidens and the like need to set their respective egos aside, settle in as elder statesmen and understand that there is a new Democratic Party nowadays filled with members who demonstrate the ability to not only connect but represent everyday people.

Dems look to Big Sky
By Karen E. Crummy
Denver Post Staff Writer
DenverPost.com
11/25/2006

Helena, Mont. - In a state where voters backed a Republican candidate in nine of the past 10 presidential elections, Democrats suddenly find themselves in control of almost everything.

In the past two years, the party has taken control of the governor's office, the state Senate, and - depending on a Tuesday recount - has maintained a split in the state House. In the November general election, the party's U.S. Senate candidate also beat an entrenched Republican incumbent.

That makes Montana a political laboratory for national Democrats trying to determine what elements are needed for retaking the White House in 2008.

And when sorting through the reasons Democrats have taken hold in a conservative state, fingers frequently point first at Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Midway through his first term, Schweitzer, a relative political newcomer, is a self-described "pickup-driving, God-fearing, gun-toting, red-meat-eating, take-responsibility-for-my-actions, invest-in-education kind of Democrat..."

..."He's that rare, high-energy individual that has 'the thing.' That Bill Clinton-Barack Obama thing," said Jerry Calvert, a political science professor at Montana State University.

He's a 6-foot-2-inch back- slapping, bear-hugging guy's guy who gave his wife a revolver for her birthday and takes his dog to the office - every day. He's also a calculating politician who chose a Republican for his running mate, and an expert on renewable resources, a master's degree holder and an Arabic speaker.

Go here to read the rest.