Gov. Brian Schweitzer does not seem worried about Republican talk that he is vulnerable to a challenge in 2008, saying Thursday that his accomplishments speak for themselves.

Republicans started arriving in Helena Thursday for a convention to pick a new chairman. At the same time, the party is looking for strong challengers to Schweitzer and U.S. Sen. Max Baucus.

Some Republicans have said they believe a solid Republican candidate could prevail against Schweitzer. But so far, no Republicans have announced they will be running for the office in 2008 -- although speculation surrounds a long list of potential candidates.

Schweitzer, who has started raising money for his re-election battle, touted the state's lowest unemployment rate in the country, an increase in high-paying jobs, and increased oil production as indicators he is doing a good job in the face of speculation about GOP challengers.

"Montana is on the move," the Democrat said. "But we still have a lot of work to do."

Schweitzer said Republicans target him with strong language because he is a Democrat who is getting the job done.

"Maybe it's frustration (on their part)," he said.

Republicans gathering in Helena said the convention will help set the tone for the 2008 elections. Selecting a chairman and getting energized are more important, at this point, than finding specific candidates, said House Majority Leader Dennis Himmelberger, R-Billings.

Sen. Corey Stapleton, R-Billings, said he believes both Schweitzer and Baucus are vulnerable. He said Republicans need to emphasize the level of state spending under Schweitzer, and the "lurch left" on the national scene since Democrats took control of Congress.

Stapleton said he will be watching for candidates to materialize for one of the top races at the three-day convention.

One man that has been the focus of speculation is Steve Daines of Bozeman, a businessman behind the GiveItBack.com initiative to increase tax rebates. Daines has not ruled out

a run.

His presence was clear at the convention, though, as a booth for his tax campaign took a prominent position Thursday.

Many Republicans don't know Daines, who hasn't held office before. Himmelberger said he looks forward to meeting him.

"He seems to be an individual with a lot of energy, and really that's what we need with a person who will look to lead the state," Himmelberger said.