Support Gov. Brian Schweitzer

PDA knows that people who stand up against authority and swim against the tide, simply because they know it's the right thing to do, are rare. What's almost unheard of is a political figure willing to do so, and who does it right in front of the "boss."


Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana hosted a town hall for President Obama a couple of weeks ago. These are carefully orchestrated events, yet Governor Schweitzer bucked the tide:


"Did you know that just 300 miles north of here they offered universal health care 62 years ago?"

He went on to laud the "father" of Canadian healthcare, former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas, saying,

"He had a single proposition ... that we will cover every single person in Saskatchewan and elsewhere."

Governor Schweitzer's warm-up for Montana's senators and President Obama received an enthusiastic audience response, but it was clearly off the president's message:

"I'm not in favor of a Canadian system, I'm not in favor of a British system, I'm not in favor of a French system. What we've said is let's find a uniquely American system."


Governor Schweitzer is the one who's uniquely American. His state's senior senator, Max Baucus, might well be the major obstruction to true healthcare reform in the Congress, yet Brian Schweitzer bucked him and the president, following his conscience.


The word in Montana today is that President Obama let Governor Schweitzer know he was not happy. But we can do our part to support the governor.

PDA wants to thank Governor Schweitzer for his bravery, for his commitment to the people of his state, and for speaking out for single payer—especially since he knows that is not what the president wants.

Call or write Gov. Brian Schweitzer and give him the kudos he deserves.


Office of the Governor
Montana State Capitol Bldg.
P.O. Box 200801
Helena, MT 59620-0801
(406) 444-3111, FAX (406) 444-5529

If other governors and elected officials see our support, maybe they too will speak out for the people and push against the political tide.

In solidarity,

Margot Kidder, State Coordinator, Montana PDA
Tim Carpenter, National Director
Laura Bonham, Deputy Director, Communications Coordinator
Conor Boylan, National Field Coordinator
Roberta McNair, Healthcare for All IOT Coordinator


Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal in 2009: Expand progressive influence in Congress as we build on our 2008 electoral successes. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann, Jim Hightower, and Lila Garrett.

She thanked me and will pass the word on. No time on hold at all. (2PM PST)