Here at The Western Word, I have not written too much about the upcoming Governor’s race. In fact, it kind of bores me.

Today, Montana Headlines posted a story on the Big Sky Cairn about the latest shenanigans from Governor Schweitzer. It made me think about the Governor, and laugh.

Ever since the 2000 U.S. Senate race when a man named Brian David Schweitzer came out of nowhere to run against Conrad Burns, I giggle every time I hear about Schweitzer’s shenanigans. At that time, Brian Schweitzer was not as well known as his cousin, LeRoy Schweitzer, who was the leader of the Montana Freemen. LeRoy is now in prison. I remember the amateur politician, Brian Schweitzer, blowing up at a debate in Billings when he was asked if he had ever purchased and used illegal pesticides. That was the old Schweitzer. He’s more polished now that he has one win under his belt…and about 10 years of constant campaigning.

Schweitzer lost that 2000 race, and instead of disappearing into the landscape, he kept on campaigning, and campaigning, and campaigning. He used a big balloon shaped as a light bulb to campaign with, which was very funny. He rode that balloon to win the open seat for Governor in 2004. I would imagine his plans include winning the gubernatorial race in 2008, then campaigning for a couple years after his term expires for Max Baucus’ seat when Baucus retires. He appears to be that type of guy. Of course, the stars have to align just right for all this to happen.

Schweitzer kind of reminds me of George C. Scott, who played Mordecai Jones in the 1967 movie, “The Flim-Flam Man.” The synopsis tells us that Mordecai was the master of back-stabbing, cork-screwing and dirty-dealing-dealing. I’m sure there are some folks in Helena who feel the same way about Schweitzer, especially those on the right.

Schweitzer was made to be a politician. We have the bolo tie, the dog at his side, and he has so much self-confidence that he usually takes over the room when he enters. I’ve had a smile on my face every time I have met the Governor, not because I was happy to meet him, but because it was funny to watch him work the room while selling his snake oil. The interesting thing is most people bought it in 2004. Will they in 2008?