Thoughts from the Middle of Nowhere

There was an interesting story in the Gazette about a week ago about how if the candidates for Governor of the state don't have a primary challenger, they will have to give some of the campaign contributions they have received so far back. As of last reporting Gov. Brian Schweitzer had over $200,000 at risk if he didn't have a primary challenger.

It's looking like Schweitzer is going to luck out though. Two complete political unknowns are set to enter the race and challenge Gov. Brian Schweitzer in the primary.

Did Schweitzer and the Democrat party put these guys up to this to save the big load of campaign cash Brian Schweitzer is carrying? No, I really don't think so, but it is a very effective way for two people to contribute a very large amount of money to the Schweitzer campaign. Over $100,000 a piece contribution to Schweitzer's campaign just for simply filing as a candidate. That's well above the $1,000 normally an individual can contribute so it is quite the campaign contribution.

Pogreba and Neiffer say they can bring a significant debate about education issues and how the Governor is weak in this area to the front burner. Maybe they can, and maybe they can't, I don't know. What I do know is that these two individuals have to know that people are going to look at their run with a very cynical eye and a lot of criticism with the campaign cash issue in play. If they didn't realize this, I think they are in for a rude awakening.

The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards. Anatole France