Could it be that the Republican race for Montana’s open governor’s seat is getting more crowded by the minute? Looks like Senator Ryan Zinke (R-Whitefish) may be testing the waters as a prelude to joining an already crowded field. Rumors about a possible run started winding through the capitol hallways about midpoint in the session, and floor speeches ZInke made in the waning days of the often contentious and mind-numbingly partisan debates were decidedly statesmanlike and often as conciliatory as could be found this year.
Folks from the Flathead area have been telling us to keep an eye out for Zinke for a while now. He’s a very bright guy and obviously has been tested and found capable as well as worthy of being a member of one of this country’s elite military groups. That certainly brings some credibility to a possible candidacy.
It will be interesting to see what develops in the next few weeks. There’s a long way to go until November, 2012 – or more precisely June, 2012. I didn’t follow his votes all that closely, so a little research is in order.
But, damn, you do have to look twice at a guy in a U.S. Navy uniform.
I thought he was going to run for LT Gov on the Livingstone ticket. As for his voting record, I doubt the TEA Party or any “conservative” group will be endorsing him.
I still can’t figure out Livingstone’s reason for throwing his hat in the ring for governor. Sure, he’s a smart guy and has an impressive resume – but no matter which way he spins it – he cannot sell himself as a Montanan and his executive experience doesn’t translate into the political fabric of Montana. I’ve heard that he’s really just using the campaign to position himself to run for Baucus’ seat – but there’s no way he’ll get enough name recognition to be able to take on Schweitzer, so it seems like throwing good money away. But what do I know?
I don’t watch FOX, but I hear he appears frequently so he should have pretty good name recognition from that alone.
As for using this election as a springboard, I have also heard that. I suspect “The Brian” has higher aspirations than being a lowly Senator.
The GOP needs to run someone that can beat Bullock – I am not sure they have anyone in the race yet that can do that.