We’re high on Ken Siderius and low on Sen. Max Baucus in our weekly index of what’s up, down and in between …
HIGH
SARAH PALIN – The former GOP vice presidential candidate is everywhere on the road to promote her new book. Her popularity is beyond dispute, but whether establishment Republicans can harness that energy remains to be seen.
APPLIED MATERIALS – This massive manufacturer offered $364 million in cash for Semitool, buying one of the valley’s bedrock businesses. Hopefully, the deal will benefit Flathead workers as well.
KEN SIDERIUS – This local educator and philanthropist was honored by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce as its 38th “Great Chief,” the group’s highest honor.
BROCK OSWEILER – The former Flathead High quarterback made history starting for Arizona State University against Oregon as a true freshman.
BETWEEN
AMES CONSTRUCTION – This Utah-based construction firm won the bid on the first section of the Kalispell bypass, prompting grumblings from some local builders that they weren’t benefitting as much as they could be from the stimulus-funded project. The state, however, is required to go with the lowest bidder, and subcontracting work is likely to result in jobs for local laborers.
LOW
MAX BAUCUS – A new poll shows the public approval rating for Montana’s senior senator dropped 20 points from two years ago to 44 percent, a likely result of his high-profile work on health care legislation that drew criticism from liberals and conservatives alike.
BARACK OBAMA – The same poll, by MSU-Billings, found the president’s job approval at only 37 percent among Montanans, with 53 percent disapproving. Approval of the federal stimulus came in at 28 percent. Ouch.
MOONLIGHT BASIN – This ski resort filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a creditor moved to foreclose on an outstanding $87 million-loan, but it will still open on Dec. 12.
REVENUE DEPARTMENT – A proposal to lighten penalties on businesses that serve alcohol to minors, if worker training requirements are met, is drawing criticism from the widow of a state Highway Patrol officer killed by a drunken driver, among others.