I Cogitate

1) We stood up and demanded a real energy policy that addresses America’s energy needs while recognizing the need for conservation, renewable energy development, and the strengthening of our rural economies. 

2) We stood up and said that it’s time for this foolish talk about privatizing Social Security to come to an end so we can deal with real issues facing America.

3) We declared, “You can’t rebuild America by tearing American workers down” and called on the White House to reverse their decision on Davis-Bacon (reducing wages to workers rehabbing the Gulf Coast).

4) We said that we've had enough of Washington’s pay-to-play, win-at-all-costs attitude.

5) And we stood up and said that Washington D.C. needs real leadership to deal with the deficit today - so that our children aren’t left paying our debts.

"...But let me tell you something. I’ve been a farmer my entire life, and I can tell you from experience that no matter how hard you try, you can’t convince a hog to shovel its own bull..."

As Goes Montana, So Goes the Democratic Party
by Bob Brigham

I was fortunate enough to grow up in Montana, to go to school in Montana, and to learn politics in Montana. Senator Max Baucus was the first politician I volunteered for, yet I now view him as being worse for the Democratic Party than Zell Miller.

The maturation I've experienced is a process that Democrats, for the good of our Party, need to embrace.

That is why next year's Senate Primary in Montana is critical to the future of our Party.

Nationally, the Democratic Party is divided between the DLC and the base, between those who want to not lose and those who will not back down, between big money and populism.

Democrats need to leave behind the failed ways of the DLC. And that begins in Montana.

This internal battle has played out in Montana as well. In Big Sky Country, the people are represented by Governor Brian Schweitzer and the DLC is represented by Senator Max Baucus.

Governor Schweitzer is a populist, a man of the people. Baucus is just another slick, lawyer who survives because he is an incumbent. But a Baucus style Democrat will not be sent to Washington DC by Montanans. In 1996, it was Jack Mudd who tried this approach and was toasted as another slick lawyer politician. In 1998, it was Dusty Deschampes who tried this approach and was toasted as another slick lawyer politician.

In 2000, the Max Baucus crew gave up on trying to beat Conrad Burns, but Brian Schweitzer ran anyway and almost won - even with little institutional support. The Baucus machine wasn't offered to Schweitzer, so he built his own movement of the people, by the people, and for the people - from the ground up.

Fast forward to 2004 and the "Montana Miracle" sweep of both houses and the governor's mansion...which set up Montana as one of the most crucial states in 2006.

Republican Senator Conrad Burns is the up to his cowboy hat in the Jack Abramoff scandal and is primed for a beating at the polls. The only way Burns can get re-elected is if he is lucky enough to face a challenger that can be branded as another slick lawyer...

...But do not despair, because Montana is also home to another authentic man of the people like Brian Schweitzer. His name is Jon Tester, he is the President of the State Senate and is the most authentic candidate running for the U.S. Senate anywhere in America...

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