The Missoula Independent doesn't think much of Brian Schweitzer's performance in the gubernatorial debate. It's not the first hint I've heard from the alternative press that Schweitzer may be losing ground. Vincent's a Democrat's Democrat; in trying to reach out to Republicans, Schweitzer was certain to alienate hardline party members. That's a price he probably could afford to pay. But he needs outfits like the Independent on his side.

Granted, Independent readers probably don't have the greatest voting record. But there are the lot of them, and they are the people Schweitzer's GOP gambit ought to appeal to. This race could get interesting.