Public Policy Polling (PDF) (11/10-13, Montana voters, no trendlines):
Steve Bullock (D): 31
Rick Hill (R): 41
Undecided: 28Generic D: 39
Generic R: 49
Undecided: 12
(MoE: ±2.9%)
Ah, if only Brian Schweitzer could run again. The outgoing two-term governor gets a 55-33 approval rating (fourth-best among govs that PPP has tested), including 28% from Republicans. But thanks to term limits, Schweitzer’s going to have to find something else to do come 2013. In his stead, PPP tests state Dem AG Steve Bullock (who hasn’t actually announced anything) against former Rep. Rick Hill (who has – he’s in).
Though the initial numbers are far from great for us, and both men are at about 65% unknown in terms of favorables, Bullock is positive at 22-14, while Hill suffers underwater at 16-19. I suspect that being a former member of Congress probably is not such a great resume item these days. Anyhow, if Bullock (or another strong Dem) makes the race, this should be an exciting contest, especially if Schweitzer puts his back into ensuring this seat stays blue.
Dem State Rep Pat Williams make some noises about maybe running too?
some business about Tester and Schweitzer switching out; with Tester running for Governor and Schweitzer running for Senate.
I officially announce the 2014 Schweitzer for Senate watch has begun.
In all seriousness, I think he gets a cabinet position after the 2012 election or he runs for Senate replacing Baucus.
But the point about the lifestyle change (of moving to DC) is a good point. The guy just doesn’t seem like he could fit in here.
Rehberg’s seat might open up, and that would be a good way for him to stay involved, espeically if Baucus is not planning on retiring in 2014. Also, if Rehberg does run for Senate or Gov, I bet you’ll see some of the second-tier Republicans in each race drop down to MT-AL.
But I want to see Schweitzer as the 45th President of the United States. He will 62 in 2016.
We already knew a Republican always starts with an edge in Montana and the poll reflects that and nothing more.
Didn’t see an open thread, so I’ll put the update here. Harris leads by 53,796 votes with 264,969 left to count. Almost over finally!