The Daily KOS, an excellent political analysis blog, expresses surprise that a Democrat would be running well in the race for Montana governor. It doesn't surprise me at all.

When I moved away from there 24 years ago, politics in Montana was still controlled by Democrats. Things have shifted solidly Republican since then, but the folks there seem to retain some memory of the progressive policies supported that had been supported by generations of Montana voters. Schweitzer came close to defeating a GOP incumbent Senator in the 2000 race. He emphasized health care in that race -- especially prescription drug benefits. It's not surprising this far out from the election that Schweitzer's web site doesn't say much about issues, but he does seem to fall within the party mainstream on most issues.

What might be more important, however, is this kind of statement from a Missoulian newspaper report: "Schweitzer, who farms in Whitefish and Forsyth, said he won't make a decision until he finishes calving in March or April and cutting hay in June."

That kind of biographical note can be enormously important in a place like Montana. It also helps that Whitefish and Forsyth are vastly different towns. Claiming homes in both can significantly broaden a candidate's appeal.