2004 Montana gubernatorial election

none related races 2004 United States gubernatorial elections January 2025 October 2016 2004 Montana gubernatorial election Montana presidential no 2000 Montana gubernatorial election 2000 2008 Montana gubernatorial election 2008 November 2, 2004 File:Brian Schweitzer official photo.jpg 150x150px Brian Schweitzer Democratic Party (United States) John Bohlinger 225,016 50.44% 3x4.svg Bob Brown Republican Party (United States) Dave Lewis 205,313 46.02% 2004 Montana gubernatorial election results map by county.svg 300px County resultsSchweitzer: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% Brown: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% Governor Judy Martz Republican Party (United States) Brian Schweitzer Democratic Party (United States) 71.4%11.5https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter-turnout/ Montana Voter Turnout Montana Secretary of State February 22, 2018 2022-05-26 The 2004 Montana gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2004, for the post of governor of Montana. The incumbent governor, Judy Martz, a Republican, did not seek reelection. Democrat Brian Schweitzer defeated Montana Secretary of State and Republican nominee Bob Brown with 50.4% of the vote against 46%. Schweitzer formed a ticket with a Republican running mate, choosing state legislator John Bohlinger for the lieutenant governorship. Schweitzer became the first Democrat elected governor of Montana since Ted Schwinden in 1984. Democratic primary Candidates Brian Schweitzer, rancher, former United States Department of Agriculture employee, nominee for the United States Senate in 2000 Running mate: John Bohlinger, former state representative (1993–1999) and state senator (1999–2005) John Vincent, former State Representative (1975–1990), former speaker of the Montana House of Representatives (1985–1986; 1989–1990) and former mayor of Bozeman (1994–1995) Running mate: Mary Sexton, Teton County commissioner Brian Schweitzer, a rancher from Whitefish, began campaigning for the Democratic nomination over a year before the primary. http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040503/localnews/345838.html Vincent adds zing to gubernatorial primary 2008-03-02 May 3, 2004 Great Falls Tribune He had narrowly lost the Senate race to Conrad Burns in 2000. In February 2004 he announced that liberal Republican State Senator John Bohlinger would be his running mate for the post of lieutenant governor. This would be the first bipartisan gubernatorial team since the Montana Constitution was amended in 1972 to require governors and lieutenant governors to run as a team. http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040212/localnews/399194.html Schweitzer to share ticket with Republican 2008-03-02 February 12, 2004 Great Falls Tribune In March 2004, John Vincent, a former Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives, entered the race and criticized Schweitzer for taking both sides on some issues. In the end Schweitzer easily won the Democratic primary. Three days after the primary Schweitzer addressed the Montana Democratic Convention; he gave a bear hug to his defeated rival and said he would bring a new kind of leadership to Montana. http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040613/localnews/634724.html Schweitzer electrifies Democrats 2008-03-02 June 13, 2004 Great Falls Tribune Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error BrianSchweitzer JohnVincent UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004300 (LV)± 6.0%59%22%19% Democratic primary resultshttp://sos.mt.gov/Elections/archives/2000s/2004/2004-PrimState.pdf 2004 STATEWIDE PRIMARY CANVASS - JUNE 8, 2004 2011-04-09 Montana Secretary of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110112000533/http://sos.mt.gov/Elections/archives/2000s/2004/2004-PrimState.pdf January 12, 2011 mdy-all Brian Schweitzer Democratic Party (United States) 68,738 72.51 John Vincent Democratic Party (United States) 26,057 27.49 94,795 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Bob Brown, secretary of state of Montana (2001–2005), former state representative (1970–1974) and former state senator (1974–1996) Running mate: Dave Lewis, state representative (2001–2005) Pat Davison, conservative businessman Running mate: David Mihalic, former superintendent of Glacier National Park (1994–1999) and Yosemite National Park (1999–2002) for the National Park Service and former adviser to Marc Racicot Tom Keating, former state senator (1981–2001) Running mate: Matt Brainard, Montana public service commissioner and former state representative (1995–2001) Ken Miller, former state senator (1995–2003) and former Montana Republican Party chairman (2001–2003) Running mate: Wayne Buchanan, former executive secretary for the Montana Board of Public Education Incumbent Governor Judy Martz had a difficult term of office, with her approval ratings as governor going as low as 20%. In August 2003 she announced she would not run for re-election, as she wanted to spend more time with her family. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/elections/2004/mt/ Montana election results 2004 2008-02-28 The Washington Post https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2003-08-13-governors_x.htm More governors join exodus from statehouses 2008-03-02 August 13, 2003 USA Today Lieutenant Governor Karl Ohs was expected to enter the Republican primary race, but decided not to. Montana Secretary of State Bob Brown, conservative businessman Pat Davison and former State Senators Ken Miller and Tom Keating competed for the nomination. Brown was seen as the favorite in the primary, but was attacked by Pat Davison for being "liberal on taxes". Brown was the only candidate who refused to sign a pledge not to raise taxes, as he said he wanted to keep all options open as governor. http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040518/localnews/445338.html Race quickly is turning into two-candidate spat 2008-03-02 May 18, 2004 Great Falls Tribune Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error BobBrown PatDavison KenMiller TomKeating UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004300 (LV)± 6.0%26%25%13%9%27% thumb|300px|Primary results by county: Brown #d60f0f Brown—51-60% #ff0000 Brown—41-50% #f29b8a Brown—31-40% Davison #ffff00 Davison—51-60% #f8f8cc Davison—21-30% Miller #59d622 Miller—41-50% #90ee90 Miller—31-40% Keating #a1ffff Keating—21-30% Republican primary results Bob Brown Republican Party (United States) 43,145 39.15 Pat Davison Republican Party (United States) 25,319 22.98 Ken Miller Republican Party (United States) 24,313 22.06 Tom Keating Republican Party (United States) 17,421 15.81 110,198 100.00 General election Campaign thumb|Democratic candidate Brian Schweitzer In mid-summer, polls showed Schweitzer had a 10-point lead over Brown, http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/hood200409140639.asp Racing for the Governor's Mansions 2008-03-02 September 14, 2004 National Review but by October the gap had closed to only 4 percent. http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=purple_people_watch_100804 Purple People Watch 2008-03-02 October 8, 2004 The American Prospect https://web.archive.org/web/20110810202016/http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=purple_people_watch_100804 August 10, 2011 dead Schweitzer campaigned with plans to lift Montana from its position at the bottom of all 50 states in wages. He called for new uses to be found for crops like mint, and for small businesses to pool in purchasing health care. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/14/politics/14montana.html?ei=5006&en=ee80a8d234dbf528&ex=1101099600&partner=ALTAVISTA1&pagewanted=all&position= Montana Democrats Reflect on Success 2008-03-02 November 14, 2004 The New York Times Timothy Egan He supported opening the border with Canada to allow consumers to get cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2004/11/04/the-rockies/987c7682-13a4-4389-8f20-6b88cadabb73/ The Rockies May 31, 2025 November 4, 2004 The Washington Post Brown said that the Democrats harmed business growth and job creation. http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/03/governor.montana/index.html Schweitzer wins Montana governorship 2008-03-02 November 3, 2004 CNN He touted his government experience, including 26 years in the Montana legislature, and accused Schweitzer of taking hypocritical stands. https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/2004-11-03-mt-gov-schweitzer_x.htm Schweitzer secures Montana governor's chair 2008-03-02 November 3, 2004 USA Today Schweitzer won the election, to become the first Democrat in 20 years to win an election for Montana governor. According to the exit polls, Schweitzer obtained two-thirds of the vote from over-65s and from independent voters. https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/mt.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20050408062125/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/mt.htm April 8, 2005 Bush makes most of Montana; Schweitzer cruises 2008-03-02 November 1, 2004 USA Today dead This was despite President George W. Bush winning Montana very easily over John Kerry. Predictions Source Ranking As of Sabato's Crystal BallThe Final Predictions Larry J. Sabato https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2004110101/ Sabato's Crystal Ball November 1, 2004 May 2, 2021 Lean D Flip November 1, 2004 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear Marginof error BobBrown (R) BrianSchweitzer (D) Other UndecidedMason-Dixonhttp://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?ts=1&display=rednews/2004/10/24/build/state/28-poll-gov.inc Schweitzer holds lead in race for governor Charles S. Johnson The Billings Gazette October 24, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20051227122605/http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?ts=1&display=rednews/2004/10/24/build/state/28-poll-gov.inc December 27, 2005Lee Poll conducted for Lee EnterprisesOctober 18–20, 2004625 (LV)± 4.0%43%48%2%Bob Kelleher (G) & Stan Jones (L) with 1%7%MSU Billingshttp://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/10/15/news/mtregional/news08.txt Latest poll puts Schweitzer ahead of Brown Bob Anez The Missoulian October 15, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041105050120/http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/10/15/news/mtregional/news08.txt November 5, 2004October 7–10, 2004411 (LV)± 5.0%28%43%2%27%Mason-Dixonhttp://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/09/26/news/mtregional/news08.txt Poll: Governor's race 'even' Charles S. Johnson The Missoulian September 26, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041011054610/http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/09/26/news/mtregional/news08.txt October 11, 2004LeeSeptember 20–22, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%41%45%1%Stan Jones (L) with 1%; Bob Kelleher (G) with 0%13%Mason-Dixonhttps://helenair.com/article_26bf6658-f8f8-565b-8d09-9241741192f3.html Brown, Davison even Charles S. Johnson Independent Record May 28, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://archive.today/20250530112911/https://helenair.com/article_26bf6658-f8f8-565b-8d09-9241741192f3.html May 30, 2025 liveLeeMay 24–26, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%35%45%–20%Mason-Dixonhttps://helenair.com/news/local/poll-shows-schweitzer-brown-tied/article_ab7e3bbe-b4dd-5dc2-a45b-c7afac9e0be3.html Poll shows Schweitzer, Brown tied Charles S. Johnson Independent Record December 14, 2003 May 30, 2025 https://archive.today/20250530111415/https://helenair.com/news/local/poll-shows-schweitzer-brown-tied/article_ab7e3bbe-b4dd-5dc2-a45b-c7afac9e0be3.html May 30, 2025 liveLeeDecember 8–10, 2003625 (RV)± 4.0%39%42%–19%Mason-DixonLeeMay 2003––40%38%–22% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Pat Davison vs. Brian Schweitzer Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error PatDavison (R) BrianSchweitzer (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%31%47%–22%Mason-DixonLeeDecember 8–10, 2003625 (RV)± 4.0%27%45%–28% Ken Miller vs. Brian Schweitzer Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error KenMiller (R) BrianSchweitzer (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%29%49%–22%Mason-DixonLeeDecember 8–10, 2003625 (RV)± 4.0%26%43%–31% Tom Keating vs. Brian Schweitzer Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error TomKeating (R) BrianSchweitzer (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeDecember 8–10, 2003625 (RV)± 4.0%27%44%–29% Rob Natelson vs. Brian Schweitzer Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error RobNatelson (R) BrianSchweitzer (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeDecember 8–10, 2003625 (RV)± 4.0%31%46%–23% Bob Brown vs. John Vincent Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error BobBrown (R) JohnVincent (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%39%30%–31% Pat Davison vs. John Vincent Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error PatDavison (R) JohnVincent (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%31%30%–39% Ken Miller vs. John Vincent Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Marginof error KenMiller (R) JohnVincent (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonLeeMay 24–26, 2004625 (RV)± 4.0%28%34%–38% Results 2004 Montana gubernatorial electionhttp://sos.mt.gov/Elections/archives/2000s/2004/2004-GenState.pdf 2004 STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS ~ NOVEMBER 2nd, 2004 Montana Secretary of State May 31, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20090402033717/http://sos.mt.gov/Elections/archives/2000s/2004/2004-GenState.pdf April 2, 2009 Democratic Party (United States) Brian Schweitzer 225,016 50.44% +3.35% Republican Party (United States) Bob Brown 205,313 46.02% -4.97% Green Party (United States) Bob Kelleher 8,393 1.88% N/A Libertarian Party (United States) Stanley Jones 7,424 1.66% -0.27% 446,146 100.00% +11.2% Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Cascade (largest city: Great Falls) Park (largest city: Livingston) Sheridan (largest city: Plentywood) Lake (largest city: Polson) Yellowstone (largest municipality: Billings) Valley (largest city: Glasgow) Notes Partisan clients References Montana Gubernatorial 2004 Category:November 2004 in the United States