Up to this point, it was merely speculation just how much Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) would beat Montana’s longest serving Democratic US Senator- Max Baucus. Now, a new poll by Public Policy Polling shows Schweitzer would easily defeat Baucus in a Democratic primary. (I am late to post this story after being on the road the last couple of days.)
The Hill first had the numbers:
A Public Policy Polling poll shows Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) beating Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) in a primary.
The PPP poll said Schweitzer would win 51 percent of voters in a Montana Democratic primary. The survey showed Baucus would collect only 34 percent support.
As I posted earlier this summer, Democratic political consultant and Montana native Bob Brigham and I discussed a Baucus v Schweitzer race. Brigham says Baucus hurts Democrats more than he helps them. Brigham added that Baucus should resign early to allow Governor Schweitzer to nominate a replacement.
Brigham adds more at Left in the West:
Governor Schweitzer started his career in politics wanting to go to DC and serve in the senate. Here’s his chance. Also, probably the best/only chance for Democrats to hold the seat as it makes sense for Democrats to vote against Max Baucus, as he does more destruction as Chair of Senate Finance then he adds benefit. Baucus needs to go.
Meanwhile, the liberal Montana Cowgirl blog (rumored to be run by staffers to Gov. Schweitzer) adds this:
If these numbers were to hold, it’s hard to see how–or why–Baucus would run for re-election if (a big if) Schweitzer took the plunge.
Yes, Schweitzer will need a job in ’12, but he doesn’t seem to care much for Congress, and so whether he’d want to serve alongside a bunch of stiffs is an open question.
Here’s the hilarious paragraph, though, that should earn the title of quote of the week:
One thing is certain: an MB v BS primary would see lots of national dough, for better or for worse. The Pharmaceutical companies would get an erection without Viagra, in support of Baucus, their number one man in Congress, and against Schweitzer, their number one villain with his ideas about drug re-importation and Canadian-style healthcare.