That is if Koopman's legacy gang don't primary socialist Republicans.

The GOP has a 4 to 5 percent advantage going into every race in nearly every county in the state save a couple... The idea that the Governor is somehow failing to provide top down cover is ridiculous -- you guys have been getting out-hustled for years. I also wonder if Stateline is taking many factors into account, such as there being next to no reason for GOP voters to even turn out this fall. Who are they coming out for? Brad Johnson who has to beg for people to fill desks in his office. Denny Rehberg who's better known for sleeping on a couch than he is for accomplishing anything on the House floor? Maybe Koopman's purge will provide a reason for the wingnuts, bigots, usurers and fearful to come out this fall; then they'll have a chance to finish ripping the once proud party of Abraham Lincoln the party apart via ballot.

Now Clearwater don't you go picking on poor ol' Brad Johnson, just because he couldn't find a Republican to be his Elections Deputy, I'd think you'd be thrilled out of your mind that the guy put one of your lovely Democrats in that position, and give the guy a break, he carried your water for you to help pass Same Day Voter Registration, I'd think he's be your man in the upcoming election.

Dear Mr. Carter,
I’m hearing of deep divisions in the Republican Party following news that Reps. Sinrud and Koopman backed out of standing for election. Some are furious that these standard bearers threw in the towel. On the other hand, traditional Republicans are breathing a sigh of relief. This indicates a deep split within the Republican Party, and can only mean there will be more defections and purges and more Main Street Republicans voting for Democrats. The Democrats, meanwhile, have a robust top of the ticket with Governor Brian Schweitzer, who is creating an energy economy complete with good-paying jobs, cutting taxes and taking care of school funding and healthcare. His success also has to be dispiriting to the right-of-center Republicans. (By the way, would these right-of-center folks call you a RINO?) I understand why you would take heart with a very early Stateline prediction, but you most likely will be eating your words come November.

Viola,

Seriously? "Governor Schweitzer...is creating an energy economy complete with good-paying jobs, cutting taxes and taking care of school funding and healthcare..."

Granted, Gov. Schweitzer has not got in the way of wind development, but he's consistently put up new roadblocks to coal development in Montana, which has astronomically more potential to do good for our economy than wind. That he's somehow taking advantage of Montana's potential to be an energy leader is laughable.

That he's cut taxes is an outright lie. He's actually raised taxes as Governor and opposed every significant tax cut that has been proposed.

I think there are some members of your party who would strongly dispute that he's "taken care of" education. And what exactly has he done for health care?

Your speculation about the division within the Republican Party is just that: speculation. We could also spend a lot of time speculating on the rumors I hear about all the division within the Montana Democratic Party (why exactly did Jim Farrel resign his position?) but I think that we're better off sticking to more substantial topics.

There's a lot that will happen between now and November, and Stateline's analysis is just a snapshot of how they read the tea leaves right now. The point is the GOP has the momentum going into this election season, despite the advantages that you would expect as a result of Governor Schweitzer's strengths.

Viola, would you please explain to me what the good Gov. is going to do with Otter Creek. I'm hearing a lot of lip-service, just what does he intend to DO? Granted, he'll have to get Jim Jensen and his supporters at MEIC to keep still until after the election, I'm just wondering how he's going to spin that issue.

The crystal ball is predicting a new entry about a dubious accusation tomorrow...

Do tell Clearwater, someting to the affect that the Gov. just broke the law he signed into affect on misusing the taxpayers money promoting one's own campaign. Is that what you're referring to?