Unfortunately, this actually complicates us getting this seat. It was expected that ex-Gov. Schweitzer was going to challenge Baucus in the Dem primary, which was going to be ugly. Whomever emerged would be damaged against a GOP opponent. Now with Schweitzer having clear sailing, it will be more difficult, and with no clear cut GOP opponent.
“... and with no clear cut GOP opponent.”
That’s the real problem! The GOP never seems to have a “bench.” Then along comes some backwater GOP congressman with goofy religious convictions and a motor mouth; and voila, a new RAT is born and we get another 37 years of a Baucus minime!
With Baucus in the race, the MT Senate is lean Dem. With Baucus retiring and Schweitzer running, the MT Senate is Safe Dem. The only Republican to give Schweitzer a race would be Gov. Marc Raciot. But, he was more interested in becoming US Attorney General, but Bush passed over him for Ashcroft. Raciot did an okay job as RNC Chair in 2002-2003. This Senate seat was his for the taking in 2002. But he wanted to make money for his family.