HELENA – Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he likes what he sees in Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s handling of state finances, and is enlisting his help in a good government project.
The conservative Republican called Schweitzer Thursday morning and invited him to help with the American Solutions for Winning the Future project, which is looking for governing ideas for the economy, education, energy and budget issues.
Schweitzer, a Democrat, told Gingrich he would be happy to participate.
The governor told Gingrich that Montana is doing better than other states financially because it set some money aside during good times and was prudent with its budget.
Gingrich asked Schweitzer to come visit the project the next time he is in Washington D.C.
“We would love to share ideas with you and see what we could get done together in a bipartisan way,” he told Schweitzer.
Gingrich — touting his effort as one for Republicans, Democrats and independents — has worked with The Rev. Al Sharpton and current Education Secretary Arne Duncan on school issues.
“We’ve tried to reach out in a very bipartisan way because the issues are more important than either party,” Gingrich said.
Schweitzer, after the call, said it seems to make sense.
“If you’re not able to share ideas, I don’t know how you will come to some common ground,” said.