As over 500 Montana patriots begin packing their bags, we thank Sen. Tester and Sen. Baucus for their hard work on almost accomplishing the job that Sen. Burns and Congressman Rehberg have managed to defend in recent years on protecting Malmstrom Air Force Base. We're sure that the loss of jobs will be a huge boost for the Great Falls community.

As the President begins to issue a Grant of Executive Clemency.

As Al Gore prepares to spend more money and credibility trying to convince the world that there is a fever. A majority isn't buying it.

As Montana residents and tourists can sleep safely at night knowing that Montana's fires are under control - at least until the 4th.

As we begin to prepare for a festival (not festivus) holiday to honor our independence of this great nation.

Let us not forget what we are celebrating. On this day in history, the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia to vote on Richard Henry Lee's resolution for independence from Great Britain. A vote that 12 colonies voted in favor of while one state abstained from voting (NY). While John Adams thought future generations would commemorate their Independence Day on the 2nd of July, it turns out that we celebrate the day that we adopted The Declaration of Independence.

In other news, while Sen. John McCain reported high poll ratings here in Montana, he has a few other issues to worry about.

One can only wonder if Romney will pick up more gains with the amount of money he is raising and with his buddy's support?

So who's running?  That was the question on everybody's lips during last weekend's MT GOP convention.  Mike Lange is running for sure, and he'll most-likely go after Baucus.  However, two other potential candidates created some buzz among conventioneers: Bob Keenan, who has been a suspect for months now, and a newcomer, Kurt Bushman.

On the gubernatorial front, giveitback.com founder Steve Daines had a very enthusiastic reception, however, he remains uncommitted to running.

Two-time OPI candidate Bob Anderson was at the convention and made the rounds, though he too has not determined whether he'll run or not.

Duane Grimes is giving serious consideration to running for Auditor again after a strong showing against incumbent John Morrison in 2004.

Already-announced AG candidates Tim Fox and Lee Bruner both had a strong presence at the convention, and are already running an extremely amicable race.  We'll see if the same congeniality is evident in the Dem primary.

And finally, the GOP Legislative Campaign Committee reported that it already has two-thirds of its targeted legislative districts filled.