Popular former Gov. Marc Racicot (R-MT) is encouraging Congressman Steve Daines (R-MT) to run for the US Senate. The Hill notes that Racicot is ruling out a campaign of his own:
Racicot told The Hill he had decided not to run and had “strongly encouraged” Rep. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) to seek the seat being vacated by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
“Over the past few months, I’ve had innumerable conversations with my fellow citizens about becoming a candidate for the United States Senate. While I have been grateful for their thoughts and insights, as well as humbled by their encouragement and pledges of support, I have decided not to enter the race,” he told The Hill in an email.
FULL EMAIL DIALOGUE RELEASED BY MT GOP
From: Marc Racicot
Subject: Re: media requests
Date: September 16, 2013 12:34:04 PM MDT
Dear Bowen,
I’m hopeful you’ll forgive my long delay in responding to your message. I surely did not mean to avoid the proper manners called for by the circumstances, but I did want to take the time to carefully think about and respond to your suggestion concerning the possibility of becoming a candidate for the United States Senate.
After having done so, I have concluded that I cannot, for a number of reasons, become a candidate at this time. I have talked with Steve Daines on a number of occasions and have encouraged him to enter the race. He’s a good man and is in a position to engage in the campaign. I know he’s thoughtfully considering it and I’m hopeful he will decide to become a candidate.
Please accept my best wishes and warm regards.
Marc
Dear Governor Racicot,
I’m sure it will come as no surprise that a lot of Montana media outlets are asking me how to get ahold of you. If you are interested in making those connections, I will happily pass on their contact information.
—
Bowen Greenwood
Executive Director
Montana Republican Party
Comments
Al Smith
Monday, September 16, 2013 9:02 PM
My question is could one of those reasons Racicot is not running is the Barry Beach “problem” that is now surfacing big time all across the state?
There is a growing movement to see justice done and it may prove embarrassing for some elitists in this state.
I doubt this Beach “problem” is going away despite the stonewalling by some high officials.
J. C. Kantorowicz
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 8:34 PM
Many years ago when Racicot was Governor, he proved himself to me, to be a politician who DID NOT support private property rights. The term RINO fits him perfectly. How else could he have such solid statewide support in a Democratic state?
His support of Steve Daines makes me nervous!
Vinny in Livingston
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 11:46 PM
Even though Racicot was the most popular governor in Montana history during his hay day, he left with the dark cloud of the Montana Power Company / Goldman Sachs swindle, and his stint for the great criminal enterprise ENRON to taint his legacy. It’s a good choice not to take the pay cut and run for the Senate.
It looks like a walkover by the Dems at this point.
I wonder if ol’ Max will have a change of heart and try to stay too long, like Brett Favre?