Apparently Montana’s Lieutenant Governor has viewed his role as more understudy than gentleman-in-waiting. Rumor has it that instead of solicitously inquiring as to the governor’s health for the next several months, John Bohlinger will be enthusiastically celebrating Governor Schweitzer’s forthcoming demise – gubernatorially speaking of course – by joining the ever-swelling ranks of those seeking to replace his BS-ness.

Okay, that’s not totally unexpected in Montana politics. The second banana wanting to become the top dog is not such a surprising concept – although it is a disconcertingly mixed metaphor. What does inspire the wry smile – not to mention uncontrollable peals of hysterical laughter – is the news that Bohlinger thinks he can be a Republican candidate for the job.

Ummm – John Bohlinger???? The punchline of the joke in the executive branch of Montana government??? Thinks he could win a republican primary????? Obviously he hasn’t been too involved with the Party lately or he’d know that his brand of elite, left-wing pseudo-conservatism is now pretty safely relegated to the outside of the big tent. And his credentials with the party faithful are not exactly unquestioned. The last time he was seen at an actual Republican function he was regarded as somewhere between the dotty old uncle and the guy who threw up in the punch bowl. He was obviously more at home last month at the Planned Parenthood reception and fundraiser.

Too bad he and the governor spent the last seven years touting John’s “Republican” label. There’s actually a lot more room in the Democrat ring – but they really don’t want to claim him either.

John Bohlinger for governor?!?! What a hoot.