Canceled Parties: Governor Schweitzer Forgoes Inaugural Ball

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is joining a growing number of recently elected governors forgoing an inauguration ball this year.

From Utah to Delaware, gubernatorial winners have canceled expensive formal balls, determining that the celebrations would be in bad taste during tough economic times.

Emily Bazar writes in USA Today:

Many of the governors who will be inaugurated next month are scaling back their celebrations as economic troubles hit state coffers and residents' pocketbooks. Some say a glitzy affair is inappropriate when people are hurting.

Schweitzer's spokeswoman Sarah Elliott told Lee Newspapers about her boss's cancellation: "It's a time to buckle down and help the economy," she said. "Work on that and not a big party. It's just not the time."

The governor's ball in 2005 cost nearly $270,000, but the money was raised privately. Both former Govs. Marc Racicot and Judy Martz also hosted balls.