Little-known GOP candidate amassing power (Montana Governor's race)

[Ediacara]

Little-known GOP candidate amassing power

By MIKE DENNISON
Tribune Capitol Bureau


HELENA -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat Davison is portraying himself as the "non-politician" running for governor, but he's no stranger to Montana politics.

Largely unknown to the public, the Billings businessman is a familiar face in Republican Party circles, having helped raise money for the campaigns of former Gov. Marc Racicot, Gov. Judy Martz and U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns.

Now Davison has decided to be a candidate himself, becoming the fourth Republican in the 2004 race for governor.

"People are interested in trying something new," he said. "I'm suggesting that the alternative I bring is that I've not been in public office before.

More at the Great Falls Tribune

EDIT: fix formatting

[disgruntella]

1. thanks for the post

I havent' been keeping up on the governor's race so I need the nudge.

[hadrons]

2. great, elected the money man for the people who made a mess in Mt.

"People are interested in trying something new," he said. "I'm suggesting that the alternative I bring is that I've not been in public office before.

still an insider though

[AWD]

7. Hmmmm....

....sounds like somebody has a page from my campaign plan.

Fortunately for me, I'm not lying when I say I've never worked in politics.

[sandnsea]

3. Burns won just like that

I remember people saying he was a Washington outsider and that's just what we needed. But he had worked back in DC in the Bush Administration as I recall, people didn't know that and it was never really exposed. I still can't believe Montanans keep voting that moron into office. He spoke at my son's high school and his whole senior class was like... oh my god. I hope the Democrats get on this guy in a hurry and show him up for what he really is!

[disgruntella]

4. Burns is such an embarrassment

I can't think of that guy without thinking of his lame campaign slogan "You Bet!" (I don't know it he still uses that; I remember if from several years ago)

And his "ragheads" comment, real classy.

[Ediacara]

5. don't forget how he hates DC

because he has to live around so many black people...

[disgruntella]

6. omg, never heard that one

I don't doubt it though. :puke:

[Ediacara]

9. it made press

I think in the Billings Gazette around the time of Thurmond's birthday party. It is "old" news, but damnit if it doesn't need constant repeating...

[sandnsea]

8. and slave auction

ack! What an idiot.

[mndemocrat_29]

10. Schweitzer nearly beat him in 2000

And while Brian is looking to become Gov. Schweitzer, I suspect that Atty. Gen. Mike McGrath could defeat Burns. Otherwise, we could try to run Nancy Keenan. I think we'll pick this seat up in 2006.