Bad news for Dems: Ex-Montana Governor passes on Senate race

Already facing a tough fight in next year’s mid-term election, Senate Democrats received some very bad news this morning. The Associated Press is reporting that former Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT), will not run for the seat left open by the retirement of Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT).

Given his popularity in the traditionally red-leaning Montana — where he served for two terms and left office with a 56% approval rating — Schweitzer was considered to be Democrats’ best hope of keeping the seat in their hands. However, Schweitzer told the Associated Press that while he considered the race at the urging of fellow Democrats, he didn’t want to leave Montana for Washington, DC.

Schweitzer faired well in hypothetical pairings with potential Republicans challengers, according to a February survey from Public Policy Polling. Schweitzer led Attorney General Tim Fox (49/43), State Rep. Champ Edmunds (52/37), and former State Sen. Corey Stapleton (49/39). However, Schweitzer trailed former Gov. Marc Racicot (46/45) and led U.S. Rep. Steve Daines (48/45), both within the margin of error.

The National Senatorial Campaign Committee (NRSC) had undertaken an extensive research campaign against Schweitzer and said that he would have had a tough time running from his party’s agenda.

“Just two days ago, Senate Democrats were quoted promising Brian Schweitzer tremendous resources to get in the race,” NRSC Communications Director Brad Dayspring said in a statement. “We did our homework and there was a lot of rust under Schweitzer’s hood – a LOT of rust.”

“Just as important though is that Schweitzer looked at the race and realized he couldn’t win in light of how unpopular the Democrat agenda of higher taxes, bankrupting spending, and the ObamaCare train wreck is in Montana these days,” added Dayspring. “Republicans will have a great candidate to ensure the Treasure State equal representation in the Senate.”

There have been some questions about Schweitzer’s involvement in the Stillwater Mining Company. Back in 2009, then-Gov. Schweitzer intervened on behalf of the company as it stood to lose business from General Motors (GM). Using the clout as state executive and the strong populist rhetoric for which he is known, GM eventually renewed their contract with Stillwater Mining.

The curious part of this is that Schweitzer purchased 25,000 shares of the company’s stock in February, just after leaving office, according to investigative reporter Lachlan Markay, and was elected as chairman of its governing board just a few months later.

While he has been a very vocal critic of campaign finance laws, Schweitzer has been tied to a political nonprofit group run by two former appointees. He told the Associated Press that this didn’t play any part in his decision.

State Rep. Champ Edmunds and former State Sen. Corey Stapleton are the only Republicans to formally announce their candidacies. The seat is rated as a “Toss Up” by the Cook Political Report, though that will likely be revised to show Republicans favored to pick up this seat.