Brian Schweitzer Eyes the Future

[NYCGirl]

I really like this guy.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/brian_schweitzer_eyes_the_futu.html

From the moment Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer left the stage following his wildly well-received speech in Denver at the Democratic National Convention, the questions began about his political future.

Might he wind up on the national ticket in 2012 or, ideally for Democrats, 2016? Perhaps a cabinet appointment if Barack Obama wins in November? Or maybe even if John McCain wins?

And, with the news earlier this week that Schweitzer would headline Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin's annual steak fry, the buzz surrounding the Montana governor grew louder still. The steak fry is a HUGE political event for Democrats in the state; in 2006 it served as the launching pad for Obama's presidential bid when he starred at the event.

-snipped-

First and foremost, they agreed, Schweitzer needs to get reelected this fall to a second term -- a win that seems almost certain given the lack of funding for his Republican opponent state Sen. Roy Brown.

Should he win, Schweitzer would have his job through 2012 -- a nice time to begin thinking about other options, no?

What those options are is entirely dependent on what happens this fall.

If Obama wins this fall, Schweitzer would almost certainly be in the mix for Secretary of Energy or Interior; the Post's own Warren Brown has already written that regardless of the identity of the next president he should appoint Schweitzer to head the energy department immediately upon taking office.

MORE AT LINK

[gateley]

1. Thanks so much --

I'm a BIG Schweitzer fan. I was really liking him for VP, but nothing ever came of it. I think maybe in the future... if he doesn't refuse to leave Montana. :hi:

[bluestateguy]

2. I wonder what the Republic Party would find to bitch about with him

They never seem to treat any candidate we put up with any respect at all.

Rudy Giuliani would not have his usual talking point about "executive experience" anymore, but don't worry, they'll find something.