Democratic governors elect Montana's Schweitzer as chairman
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/03/art.schweitzer.gi.jpg caption="Schweitzer will chair the DGA."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - The Democratic Governor's Association announced Wednesday that Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer will take over as the group's chairman, replacing West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin.
Schweitzer, a bolo tie-wearing moderate who handily won a second term as governor in November, was elected at the DGA's annual winter meeting, with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley winning the post of vice-chair.
Both men have taken active roles in the DGA, and each said they look forward to working with President-elect Obama as a partner.
The Montana governor is perhaps best known nationally for delivering an electrifying speech to the Democratic National Convention in August, stealing the show on a night when former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner was supposed to be the headliner, but delivered a relatively lackluster keynote address.
Gov. Manchin praised Schweitzer for helping the party win in traditionally conservative regions of the country.
“The DGA has never been in a stronger position, and Brian Schweitzer is a dynamic leader who will take the organization to the next level,” Manchin said. “Brian has made in-roads in traditionally conservative-leaning areas because he’s honest, practical, and knows how to get results.”
The Republican Governor's Association named South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford as their chairman last month at the RGA's annual meeting in Miami.
One hillbilly replacing another hillbilly...
This a great choice!!!. This is the gov. I call "Mr No-Nonsense". He's shrewd and excellent politician. Keep it up, Sir ! and Kudos.
Hey! I am an African American female! Heard the governor speak at the DNC and fell in luv with him! Called my girlfriends during the time he was giving his address Wow! we were blown away! I did not know this is what Montana has to offer! He could definitely get my vote!!!! And my sista friends...
Just me... Keeping it real
YES!!!! Fantastic choice! I love this guy! He tells it like it is and if your a Democrat or Republican, and you don't like it...so what! America likes it, and that is all that matters. A true leader when it comes to common sense politics!
Gov Schweitzer is a great here in montana! He is just a causal, common sense man who wants to help his state and country. We are proud of him and hope to see him as a strong player in the party in the future.
Schweitzer 2016
This Guy is really cool! I think he's just what he DGA needs.
I remember his speech at the DNC convention! I was so fired up listening to him speak that I almost wanted to pull up stakes and move accross country from the east coast to Montana just so he could be my governor!
Mr. Schweitzer ROCKS!
DEMOCRATS FOREVER!
The only bad news about this, is that Barack Obama will not be making him the Secretary of Energy...and he knows his stuff when it comes to Energy issues!