The House GOP elected Scott Sales as Minority (possibly speaker) leader of the Montana House, sending a clear message with the vote that conservative values still carry weight, and the Governor and democrats will have loyal opposition.  Great stump speech, but it is certainly good news for the democrats.

It was fascinating that the new GOP took on old leadership.  Reflect for a moment on what Brown was able to accomplish the 1st session in many as the GOP were in the minority. On more than one occasion, the Brown led GOP were able to stall bill after bill in both committee and 50 votes on the floor.  Like him or not, thats leadership. I doubt very seriously Sales will be able to provide that type of leadership, and it is more likely a committed group of moderate republicans (and democrats) will have to be looked at for leadership.

Ideological leadership will falter.  A number of conservative members will have no problem seeking reelection, but a number of republicans will.  Those who won close races will have to place their constituents in front of their leaderships ideology, and it it certainly more than the one vote that is needed.