A Schweitzer shakeup in Helena?

It's a "new day" in Montana, and congratulations are in order for Gov.-elect Brian Schweitzer.

There is no doubt that Schweitzer ran an energetic, dynamic campaign that found its success in the candidate's bipartisan, moderate appeal. Now Schweitzer must deliver an administration that fits the "working together" image projected in the campaign.

His opponent, Republican Bob Brown, ran an effective campaign and was notably the favorite candidate in Flathead County. But Brown's effort seemed to at least give some people the impression of embracing status quo Montana politics, while Schweitzer did not.

We have every reason to believe that Schweitzer will not settle for the same old operations in Helena. He will attempt to shake things up in the state's bureaucracies, looking for improvements wherever possible.

And he may prove to be an effective reformist, judging from the incredibly energetic manner that he ran his campaign.

Schweitzer was definitely in charge - not handlers, pollsters or consultants. He was innovative and completely organized in raising money for his campaign, even helping in the development of custom-made software to track his finances and contributors.

An advantage for Schweitzer is that he knows Montana, having traveled to nearly every corner of the huge state multiple times during the campaign, and owning property in three counties. He is not a Helena-centric politician, and that's good for most of Montana.

Those who suspect that Schweitzer may not be able to handle the inner workings of the state Capitol may be surprised, largely because of the help Schweitzer has already brought into his administration.

His running mate, John Bohlinger, is a Republican senator from Billings who is no stranger to the Legislature. This week, Schweitzer announced he was hiring Hal Harper, a 30-year veteran legislator, as his transition policy adviser. David Ewer, a former state legislator and deputy director of the Montana Board of Investments, was named budget director. Bruce Nelson, a former chairman of the Montana Democratic Party who worked for former governor Tom Judge, was hired as Schweitzer's transition team director.

We suspect Schweitzer will continue to surround himself with able people. There are plenty out there. But we have to wonder whether Schweitzer may be prone to getting entangled in micromanagement, precisely because of his busy nature.

In any case, voters are bound to watch the Schweitzer administration closely to see how the "idea man" makes things happen for Montana schools, taxpayers, businesses and government.