Ohs expected to back Brown for governor

MontanaForum.com ^ | November 8, 2003 | AP

[JohnnyZ]

Lt. Gov. Karl Ohs Monday is expected to announce his support for Secretary of State Bob Brown in the Republican primary contest for governor.

Ohs, reached in Helena late Friday afternoon declined to confirm that was his intention, but said he is scheduled to make his choice known in Billings Monday morning.

“I’ll have an announcement on Monday,” he said. “At this point I’d better not say anything more.”

In mid-September Gov. Judy Martz said she favored Billings businessman Pat Davison as her replacement.

Martz decided against seeking a second term in the 2004 election. Brown, Davison and former GOP state Sens. Tom Keating, of Billings and Ken Miller of Laurel, are announced candidates for the June 8 primary election. Whitefish farmer/rancher Brian Schweitzer is the lone Democrat in the race.

Ohs gave considerable thought to seeking the top job, but surprised his party in late August when he said he wouldn’t run.

Ohs will be at the Sheraton Hotel in Billings Monday at 8:45 a.m. for his announcement.

[JohnnyZ]

Fundraising numbers as of 3rd Quarter:

Sec State Bob Brown: Raised $98k, spent $16k
Businessman Pat Davison: Raised $152k, spent $7k
Ex State Senator Tom Keating: Raised $7k, spent $6k
Ex State Senator Ken Miller: Raised $12k, spent $6k
RAT Brian Schweitzer: Raised $503k, spent $177k

Bob Brown probably has the best statewide polling support; Davison is less well known at this point. Schweitzer lost to Sen. Conrad Burns in 2000.

[Keyes2000mt]

I know Bob Brown and he's a good man. He's a true statesman and would make a good governor.

[Kuksool]

Prospects for the GOP keeping the Governorship in MT have improved.

[Clintonfatigued]

The Republican field needs to thin out so that Bob Brown can be financially competitive. Maybe Ken Miller could run for Secretary of State.

[AuH2ORepublican]

Is Schweitzer going to run on the prescription drug issue again? Does that issue still have legs in Montana?

[Clintonfatigued]

It still has legs, but Schweitzer and his trips to Canada have lost their novelty. In 2000, Schweitzer ran an imaginative and innovative race which reaped lots of free publicity. But now it's old hat. Also, it looks like some kind of prescription drug plan will pass, which will remove some wind from Schweitzer's sails. Furthermore, the drug issue doesn't have as much pull in a state race. If Bob Brown can get the Republican field cleared, I think he will edge out Schweitzer.