Brian Schweitzer

Brian Schweitzer was elected Governor of Montana in 2004, and is the first Democrat to hold the office since 1988.BrianSchweitzer.com: Meet Brian Schweitzer was re-elected to the position in the 2008 election.Associated Press: Dem. Gov. Schweitzer wins re-election in Montana (November 4, 2008)

On August 26, 2008, Schweitzer gave a speech at the 2008 Democratic Nation Convention. He spoke of the need to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and explore alternative energy options.Forbes: 2008 DNC: Transcript of Prepared Speech by Brian Schweitzer (August 26, 2008)

"Even leaders in the oil industry know that Senator McCain has it wrong. We simply can't drill our way to energy independence, even if you drilled in all of John McCain's backyards, including the ones he can't even remember."

"We face a great new challenge, a world energy crisis that threatens our economy, our security, our climate and our way of life. And until we address that energy crisis, our problems will only get worse. For eight long years, the White House has led us in the wrong direction. And now Senator McCain wants four more years of the same."

"It's not a question of either wind or clean coal, solar or hydrogen, oil or geothermal. We need them all to create a strong American energy system, a system built on American innovation."Forbes: 2008 DNC: Transcript of Prepared Speech by Brian Schweitzer (August 26, 2008)