Schweitzer/Bohlinger campaign discusses issues with area Democrats

By Bill Vander Weele

Sidney Herald When Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brian Schweitzer arrived in Sidney Tuesday, he was anxious to introduce his lieutenant governor candidate to area Democrats.

John Bohlinger, a two-term Republican state senator, was announced as a surprise running mate earlier this month.

The candidates say they are the first ticket consisting of different parties in state history.

"We have a passion together. That's to build this bridge in Montana," Schweitzer told the crowd at Sharp and Sassy's Meeting Room Tuesday. "We won't judge a person by what party they come from, but rather for their ideas."

Schweitzer added Bohlinger is a strong supporter of health care and economic development. "He's an ideas man," Schweitzer said.

The candidates agreed good legislators come to Helena, but those legislators then get caught up in political disagreements.

"When they come to Helena something happens," Bohlinger said. "When you're a Republican or a Democrat, too much time is spent to make the other party look stupid. That's no path to success."

"We're not going to allow the parties to begin the bickering and finger pointing. When it happens, we will stop them," Schweitzer said.

Bohlinger stressed their ticket is the one to lead Montana into the future, and he doesn't care if some Republicans are upset with him.

"I'm more concerned about Montana. We cannot do business as usual," Bohlinger said. "I think a mark of leadership is being a good listener. No one is a better listener than Brian."

Schweitzer carries small notebooks to stops across the state and writes down concerns residents are expressing.

"Clearly we have to create some economic development so our kids can stay in this state," Schweitzer said.

He feels more residents can have health care if pools are created. He says 20 percent of Montana residents don't have health care benefits. Part of the reason so many don't have health care is because Montana is one of the top states for percentage of small business. Many small businesses can't afford to offer those benefits to their few employees.

"But what we can do is pool those employees," Schweitzer said.

Economically, Schweitzer says ethanol plants add value and decrease the country's dependence on foreign resources.

When asked about a sales tax, Schweitzer said Bohlinger is in favor of adding the tax. "I'm not convinced yet," Schweitzer said.

His main concerns about a sales tax are the affect on agriculture equipment. He also worries about adding the tax on lower income residents. "Low income people are spending 100 percent in our communities already," Schweitzer said.

He mentioned adding a non-resident excise tax, which would create $100 million for the state.

"With that money, we can get relief to property owners and small business owners," Schweitzer said.

The campaign doesn't accept donations from any special interest groups or lobbyists.

"No one should be able to buy a place in the line," Schweitzer said. "Special interest can't control this government."

The campaign's competition in the primary is Gallatin County Commissioner John Vincent.

"It's not our election. It's your election, we're just on the ballot," Schweitzer said. "You're going to make the decision based on what you think this state deserves."

editor@sidneyherald.com