First-term Governor Brian Schweitzer, oft-mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate at some point in his young political career, looks set to cruise to re-election, a new poll for the Billings Gazette showed last month. Schweitzer will appear on the ballot alongside fellow Democrat Max Baucus, the state's senior Senator, who also appears to be in good shape.

The poll, conducted 12/17-19 by the highly respected firm Mason-Dixon, quizzed 625 registered voters for a margin of error of +/- 4%. Schweitzer and opponent State Senator Roy Brown along with Baucus and his opponent, State Representative Mike Lange, were tested.

General Election Matchups
(All / Dem / GOP / Ind / Men / Wom)
Schweitzer 55 / 89 / 28 / 52 / 52 / 58
Brown 30 / 3 / 59 / 26 / 32 / 28

(All / Dem / GOP / Ind / Men / Wom)
Baucus 63 / 90 / 38 / 63 / 62 / 64
Lange 25 / 5 / 49 / 19 / 28 / 22

Both incumbent Democrats are widely popular around the state. Baucus is viewed favorably by 57% of Montanans, while just 15% have an unfavorable opinion. Schweitzer is seen favorably by 54%, as 22% see him unfavorably. The state has been trending Democratic in recent years, electing Senator Jon Tester in 2006. Democrats control the State Senate, but in one of their few defeats last year lost control of the State House.

On a statewide level, Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg has not faced serious competition in years, though Secretary of State Brad Johnson is the only other member of the GOP elected statewide. Three other lower-ballot elected officials are all Democrats.