Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer apologized (set the spin in motion) late today for his recorded remarks last summer in July 2008 where he claims he won the race for his pal, U.S. Senate candidate, Jon Tester.

As has been reported first in the blog, MT Pundit, and picked up by the Great Falls Tribune and the Associated Press, he tampered with several people involved in the election.

Schweitzer claimed he ran Republican poll watchers off the reservations by having his people threaten them with jail, and that he pressured an election official from Butte-Silver Bow County.

Of course, he gave his apology to the Associated Press (AP), which let him go unchallenged. You can read the whole AP story HERE.

Basically Schweitzer either lied to the convention people to get a laugh or he’s lying now to save his butt. I think the latter is true.

So, I don’t accept his apology. It is just a cheap way out of a sticky situation. The Governor was starting to see the “crap” hit the fan so to save his butt, as well as his re-election efforts, he apologized.

Supposedly state and federal officials are “reviewing” his comments, but the AP quickly pointed out that it was not an investigation – unlike they said in the summer of 2006 when their reporter jumped on the bandwagon to go after a Republican.

Of course Tester’s mouthpiece was asked about the remarks and he feels his boss won the race “fair and square.” Sure you do. Now your man has been branded with the fact that he won a tainted election.

This issue is not over. A few people have filed complaints and that is good. Of course, The Western Word will keep posting new information when it becomes available and we’ll share it with some national blogs and news networks.

Meanwhile, the 2008 election is fast approaching. Voters in Montana must wonder if more tampering will happen this time, who will make the calls, who will bully poll watchers, and most importantly who might win if not for that. Any voters or poll watchers who feel or see intimidation, must make a stand to ensure the best candidate wins. We don’t want to see the election of 2006 repeated.