Ok, I was on the phone with Governor Schweitzer's office this morning...

I'll fill you all in. Earlier this summer I talked to my county chair back in MT about being interested in running for state senate, as the current Senator is term limited. I had been asked about it before by a few people, but never considered at this early stage in my life. However, I felt sick of being on the outside looking in and wanted to use electoral politics in an activist manner. So I've made a verbal commitment to run. Some time ago, my party chair told me that a potential primary opponent doesn't have the best relationship with the Governor's office. So I e-mailed Brian Schweitzer, let him know who I was, that I was interested in running, and wanted to get on the same page as the Governor in my prospective race.

I didn't think anything of it.

Well, about a week ago, the Governor had his office of Indian Affairs contact me about meeting with the State Coordinator for Indian Affairs, Reno Charette. I should mention I am a Blackfeet Indian and my district is composed of mainly Indian Reservations. Well, I played e-mail tag with them a little bit and called this morning. I cannot get back just yet as I got to school in Tucson, AZ, so I'm set up for a conference call later on this month when she gets back to her office from her business travels. I'm going to go over the platform with her and figure some things out. When I get back, I'll go in and meet with her in Helena. I'm hoping to get some face time with the Governor too, which, just knowing the kind of guy he is, I'm sure will happen.

At any rate, it's no big deal yet, but I thought I'd keep DUers and everybody in the MT forum up to date on some of the things I'm working on. I have had many people contact me about donations etc, so when I get a treasurer and everything I'll let everybody know more info.

I don't know how much I could afford to give, but I'll give what I can. Good luck.

5 bucks will do, whatever. Or just your support and encouragement. I can use that as well. Thanks a lot.

I am coming back to Montana next spring and want to hook up with the Governor's political machine. I would like to get involved in any way I can to promote him and a progressive agenda in Montana.

Having lived there for enough years to know what it feels like to pound your head against the wall politically, I am having a new feeling of hope for my state.

Please keep me informed of your plans, etc.

Oh, gosh, Red state politics can drive you nuts, no doubt. I've seen you mention before that you're going back to MT. Where are you planning to move to? If I can get hooked up myself I'll be sure to get you involved any way I can. I will definitely keep you informed.

You at the U or Pima there in the Baked Apple?

I've never been able to get used to the heat. :) It is damn hot down here. Montanans aren't meant to live in the desert I don't think, haha.

Hell, 5 of those years - no car period! Thank goodness for SunTran! But the weatherman lies. I carried a thermometer with me one day to measure the REAL temp on the corner of Craycroft and Grant at 3 PM on a weekday - 134 degrees. Pavement, cars and compressors make more heat than they measure at the airport in a vacant field ;)

What can I tell ya pal, it's 98 in the shade under my little patch of the Big Sky. Yeah, I miss those big mountains too! Feet in the Boulder River would feel good right now.

Sun Tran is a pretty good little system, I will admit. They do pretty well.

134 degrees? I believe it. When the weatherman says it's under 100 that's a "cool" summer day, lol. I almost feel relieved when I hear that. Although, you can't beat the weather around October, November, December etc. It sure is nice.

I miss being places where people actually call rivers "Criks." haha.

When you get to Helena, look me up! I work for the state and watch the Gov take his dog for a walk at least once a week. I've meet him on two occasions and he's always super nice.

Anyway, if you have time, we should do lunch. I have been meeting a few people in politics here in Helena (esp. at the Dean MDP party last month). Feel free to PM me and I'll drop you my contact info.

Best of luck to you!!!
KJ

I'll look you up next time I go home. All my relatives live in Helena. :)

Just said hey to the governor again today while he was visiting my department. busy time for him, as usual, but still a gracious dude.
KJ