Early this morning, the Senate office of U.S. Senator Max Baucus sent subscribers an e-mail telling us there’s “A Win for the Flathead.”

The e-mail went on to say, “Baucus crushes BC coal-bed methane project.” It also went on to say, “After Baucus’ Objections, BP Canada Halts Efforts.”

The e-mail went on and on about Max’s work on this issue. I decided to do a little further checking about this issue and found this interesting story from Canada posted on globeandmail.com. It’s called, “Despite controversy, BP methane project is a go.”

There was an interesting quote in the story from British Columbia Energy Minister Richard Neufeld: When asked last week about Mr. Baucus’s characterization of the project, Mr. Neufeld said: “If Max Baucus says the sun is shining, the first thing you do is go out and have a look.”

I thought, “I know how you feel, Mr. Neufeld.”

Back in 2005, Max Baucus told Montanans that he had inserted language in the highway bill that would open Malmstrom AFB’s runway. Max proclaimed it was a “done deal.” It wasn’t. Unfortunately, Max was in a hurry to get some positive press for himself about a military issue. Max fumbled the ball while celebrating before actually crossing the goal line. The bill had not passed the House and several members of the House made him pull the language regarding Malmstrom AFB’s runway or they would not pass it. He did pull the language and that probably cost Malmstrom from getting the runway open and a future aircraft mission. Possibly forever.

We’ll have to wait and see if Max has fumbled the ball again before crossing the goal line. Since he’s up for re-election this year, it would be a bad time for him to fumble something this important to Montana.