More than six out of 10 readers responding to last week's Question of the Week, which asked if it were a good idea for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brian Schweitzer to choose a Republican for his running mate, approved of the move.

Among the 385 people voting in this unscientific poll, 246 liked the idea and 139 did not.

Some comments:

- Anytime you can get both the Democrats and the Republicans upset about the same issue, you must be doing something right. The clubby attitude of both of these parties has done a lot to create the situation that we find ourselves in today. Maybe it is about time that we have an elected team that cares more about Montana instead of which party gets credit.

- My answer to Schweitzer's choice for running mate is NO. Vincent will get my vote.

- I support Schweitzer's choice. To paraphrase Albert Einstein, "The problems we face today cannot be solved with the same level of (partisan) thinking that created them." Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans alone have all the answers. In spite of lip service to bipartisanship, neither party has demonstrated much in recent years. We're all in this mess together; we must all work together to find viable solutions for Montana's future.

- I've had the opportunity to observe Senator Bohlinger as a committee chairman in the Legislature. I have seldom seen a legislator as courteous and gracious in dealing with Montana citizens. ... He has always been a forceful advocate for Montana's least fortunate. Most of the sniping is coming from the Republican and Democratic party regulars. Call it a fusion ticket if you wish, but I think Montanans are very tired of the partisan bickering and gridlock. ... I think Schweitzer has chosen very well and I appreciate his willingness to take a different path.

- Brian Schweitzer's choice of a Republican running mate was a good idea -- for Republicans. For the last year, Schweitzer has spent much of his time railing about Republican support for deregulation. Ironically, the key Republicans who are running for governor never voted for deregulation. But Schweitzer's running mate, John Bohlinger, did vote for deregulation as a legislator. So Mr. Schweitzer has robbed himself of his biggest issue against Republicans. Is this a brilliant move, or what? Is this man smart enough to be governor?

- Hooray, it's about time people stop voting for the party affiliation and not have to vote for the lesser of two evils when looking at the ballot. This way, both parties can take credit for a good administration or blame for a bad administration. It could also help detour bad legislation from being passed, such as deregulation.

- Montanans are sick of divisive partisan politics. Schweitzer rises above this partisan bickering through his choice of Bohlinger and reveals his genuine and primary concern is for Montanans, not political parties. Refreshing!