Roy Brown entering the Governors’ race is a positive development. Brown really was the strongest candidate the MT GOP could field and will certainly provide a contrast in both style and substance to Governor Schweitzer. His initial talking points comforted his base, cut taxes & govern differently. It is much too early to discuss whether or not Brown can win, he and the GOP must first focus on making the race competitive. So where can he start?

1. No surprise here on MOTTO. Brown needs to reach out to the moderates in both parties. He’ll need to coax the R’s back to his camp, and a few D’s along side
2. Develop and discuss an energy policy that encompasses more than relaxing regulatory restrictions
3. Talk specifics on education, from pre-K through higher ed
4. Embrace, not spin, his voting record
5. Provide a solid plan for workforce retention and recruitment.  Talk, Talk, Talk about workforce.
6. A) take great care in selecting a running mate, and B) upgrade website

MOTTO will have very light posting through June 15th or so for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Preparing for another Montana news/portal related site launch - stay tuned for details!
2. Still scratching my head over the 60th legislative session.  Did it really happen?
3. People keep telling me to giveitarest., well, you get the picture
4. 4&20 left for the West
5. My golf game is non-existent
6. A) Budge is back and B) repeat

Have a great start to your summer!  Posting regularly in a couple of weeks. Later.

1. Burns carried Foley's bill in the senate.  What, Sirota, couldn't link to Lieberman?

2. SOS!!! Auditor's name change, your Honor

3. Gamer's chatrooms readily accessible by public, beware.  Give us a break, nerd alert! Strike that "news" alert.  Get real

4.  Burns Patriot act ad - The R's joined us, Mr. B: 87-12 & 40-10

5.  Richs next move - literally hundreds of public information requests. 

6. BONUS

    a.  WRIM - any post

    b.  I153 - for all those corrupt citizen legislators

With the Montana Blogosphere inundated with the shades/levels of personal hell and the recent attention to fellow bloggers in the "mainstream" media, why not a MOTTO 6: Montana Blogosphere, pop culture edition:

1. 4 & 20 Blackbirds - Good Times  -  "ain't we lucky we got'em,...good times!"

2. Dave Budge - Mr. Monopoly 

3. A Chicken is not a Pillage - TVMA - an original "you break it, you buy it" voice on the net, leaving the subtle touch to sites like MOTTO. Much appreciated, Wulfgar.

4. Wrong Dog - Car 54 - Speaking of subtle,...OOOOOHHOOOOOOHH

5. Left in the West - Liddsville

6. BONUS!

A. Whats Right in Montana - Archie Bunker

B. Sirota - Material Girl 

Although they have momentum, MOTTO has a  top 6 for the Montana Democrats:

1. Don't take Butte USA for granted.  With all the money Sen. Burns has brought to the Mining City, Tester may have to convince the citizens that he can grow taters in the pit
   
2. Remain consistent.  Democrats have solid plans and policies either in place from last session or proposed. Don't give up conviction for political gain
   
3. Education policy & funding picture was not finished last session.  Maintain an open mind, work with republicans and the education community
   
4. This needs to be the year democrats are seen as the party of small business.  Approach local Chambers, Montana Chamber, NFIB members, and your friends on Main Street
5. D's always point out when the R's embrace the right wing.  Be prepared for the same from the R's this election cycle. Montana is not as left as the blogosphere would hope
   
6. BONUS!
1. Schweitzer wrote the "how to" book - don't get lost in the translation
2. Politics in Montana this cycle are akin to B movies...bad acting.  Pick your script carefully
   

For all that ails the Montana Republican party in this election, MOTTO has the top 6 remedies:

1. Substance over statements.  The handshake has been available for months, now its time for specifics and numbers.  Democrats, particularly Schweitzer, has continued to one up the GOP by providing specifics.  While one can debate the veracity of those specifics, they are tangible and understandable to Montana
   
2. SOS - bail. Its tough to let go of friends, but this initiative is not good government, and you know it
   
3. Education.  Its refreshing to see the GOP discuss education.  Put forward a plan that details early childhood, K-12, and higher education funding and policy priorities. See # 1
   
4. Energy.  The party must be running on triple AAA batteries, as we haven't heard much on energy initiatives from the GOP.  Coal bed methane?, Coal?, Transmission capacity?, Wind? Ethanol? .  See # 1
5. Drop the "East Coast Liberal" rant.  Your polarizing yourselves even further from moderates.
   
6. BONUS!
1. Leadership - Stapleton can't go toe to toe with Wanzenried much less Schweitzer.  What about Karl Ohs?
   
2. Consistent message - difficult to be consistent without specifics, as "we support ________ " rings hollow without substance
   

Equal Opportunity- read the MOTTO "6": Democrat Elixir