Kerry Visits Montana, Schweitzer

Looking to the west, Kerry is eager to learn what issues are important to independent voters and can help the democrats win in '06 and '08. Here's a light hearted exchange between him and Gov. Schweitzer:

Kerry says howdy
By CHARLES S. JOHNSON - IR State Bureau - 08/12/05

Kerry peppered Schweitzer, his staff and state Sen. Mike Cooney, D-Helena, who had stopped by the Capitol to pick something up, with questions on state and national issues. He asked Schweitzer how the state would deal with the Bush administration's proposed Medicaid cuts.

"This administration, while they talk the talk, there's no walking the walk,'' Schweitzer said. "They put additional demands on the states with no new money.''

Added Schweitzer: "I think we're probably going to need a new president.''

Kerry, 61, grinned broadly.

"Any suggestions?'' Cooney asked with a smile.

"I'm staying away from that one,'' Kerry said with a laugh.