I can't help it, I'm really proud of Brian Schweitzer and Montana.......

[Wetzelbill]

I'm an Arizonan now. But, MT is my home state, and basically, I've been convinced to go back by several others, since Montana is getting progressive again. The stereotype of MT is that we were always really conservative, but not really. It is an odd state to figure out voting wise, because in November Bush blew out Kerry by twenty points, but they elected probably the most progressive Democratic governor in the country and they elected the Dems into the state legislature Majority for the first time in forever.

Montana used to be quite progressive, we used to have our great Democratic Senators former Senate Majority leader Mike Mansfield, and Lee Metcalfe. Two of the best. Even Max Baucus had a great progressive record until the last few years. (Prescription drug benefit bill, Why Max Why? ) Even Good ol' Conrad "Con Job" Burns is in serious trouble against probable general election challenger, Jon Tester.

But, Brian Schweitzer is the man. He's a tough as nails rancher (not a fake rancher like * who is so scared of horses he don't own one), who told a journalist that he would personally stick Osama bin Laden's head on a stick. He lived 7 years in Saudi Arabia, working on irrigation projects, and he speaks Arabic. He wore jeans at the DGA conference, haha,

People like Schweitzer, Obama and Jennifer Granholm are the future of the Democratic party. Right now, Kerry, Edwards, Howard Dean, Wes Clark, Hillary and all of them are doing their thing, but just wait how good things will be when Schweitzer and Obama's time comes. We have some great people in our party, we just need to win some elections.

My dad is a farmer/rancher and he loves Schweitzer. The big misnomer is that cowboys are conservative, but that isn't really true. Hell, I used to be a cowboy and I'm not even near in the realm of the goofy fuckers that run our country. I'm a Democrat representing the Democratic wing of our party. So way to go Governor Schweitzer and Montana. You've convinced this prodigal son to return.

Let's start turning those Red states Blue.

Brian Schweitzer article from Salon
http://www.salon.com/news/lotp/2005/04/19/montana_governor/print.html

[snowbear]

1. What a great post Bill ~~

You should be proud of what Inside Politics calls "Blue Montana" !!

Beautiful state, great governor, etc..

Because of 911, Republicans were able to seize on the tragedy and make voters think that they had to vote Republican to "stay safe"

Bit by bit... piece by piece... we're slowly going to remind them why they prefer DEMOCRATS!! :bounce:

The mood is changing --- we just need to keep those winds blowing in our direction and regain what we can in '06. After that, it will be much easier to go from there!

:patriot:

[Wetzelbill]

2. ahhh...you always are one of my favorites, Larissa

Yeah, bit by bit, piece by piece, it can be done. :toast:

[snowbear]

3. Who knows Bill..

We could be neighbors some day? ;)

[Wetzelbill]

4. that would be cool

we'd never talk because we be on DU all the time, haha. We'd still only know each other through our posts. :)

[femmecahors]

5. Are you from Miles City?

I think I might know you!

My parents and brother ranch near Glasgow and Billings . . . I moved to San Francisco then France searching for the "perfect" progressive paradise.

I'm really proud (and surprised) of the folks in Montana for electing Sshweitzer . . . there is hope for the world!

Libby

[Wetzelbill]

6. from Cut Bank

I know people from around Glasgow and Billings though.

[FrenchieCat]

7. I heard him interviewed on AAR

And I liked what I heard. He certainly seemed genuine and doesn't seem "concerned" with the Washington bullshit aspects of PR.

He said something that I thought was very wonderful and refreshingly insightful. He said that the problem with a lot of politicians is that they hire these highly paid "consultants" to tell them what to say and what not to say.

He then said that these politicians can't be leaders, cause how can you be a leader, if your're listening to someone else telling you what to do?

That's it in a nutshell! How can one be a leader, when in reality, one is a follower?

That was a good interview!

[Wetzelbill]

8. If you get a chance read the article I pasted, it's great