HELENA -- Gov. Brian Schweitzer's populist message about the "stench" of politics emanating from Washington, D.C., has struck a nerve with Americans all over the country.

Schweitzer, who dished on Washington politics with Lou Dobbs on CNN two weeks ago, railed against the cozy relationship between politicians and lobbyists, and told viewers that he has to wash the "stink" off every time he leaves the nation's capital.

His candid remarks prompted Americans from all corners of the country to send him e-mails of adoration. Schweitzer will again be on Lou Dobbs' show Thursday, which runs 4 p.m.-5 p.m. MST on CNN.

"Here I am at 80 years old, in love AGAIN!!!" wrote Ruth Guarino of Bishop, Calif. "More power to you -- stay honest and you cannot lose. God bless and I am sending a BIG HUG to someone who is one in many million.."

Craig Wilson, a political scientist at Montana State University-Billings, said American's discontent with politics as usual is running high against the backdrop of the war in Iraq. The nation is also divided over President Bush's judicial nominees and his proposals to privatize portions of Social Security.

"He's hit the mother lode of populism here," Wilson said Tuesday. "Yes, it's touched a popular nerve, but it's a stretch to say this means he has a role on the national stage."

Others, however, think differently. Chris Novota of Colorado Springs urged Schweitzer to consider higher office. Schweitzer is Montana's first Democratic governor in 16 years, and took the reins of office from former Gov. Judy Martz, a Republican.

"Please consider running for president of the United States, please!" Novota wrote. "It's folks like you that give me hope for the future of this great nation."

Schweitzer downplayed the e-mails, and said people pushing him to run for president need to "stop smoking those pinecones." He said Americans are just reacting to his candor.

"I think what they're responding to is that it's refreshing for a political figure to answer a straight question with a straight answer," Schweitzer said. "It's just unusual on the national scene."

Schweitzer said he's surprised at all the national media he's attracted since taking office. He's been in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and other prominent national papers. The New York Times Sunday Magazine is currently working on a piece about him.

Schweitzer's populist message even plays well in New York City.

"I know nothing of Montana's political climate, being from New York and all, but I must say your approach to politics and governing has convinced me there IS a way to cut past Washington's partisan atmosphere," wrote Ernesto Malave from Yonkers, N.Y. "Doing what is right for your people should ALWAYS be first priority in a politician's eyes. You embody that, and I salute you."

Schweitzer is enjoying strong popularity in Montana. Likely voters gave him a higher job approval rating than they did to his two predecessors, Martz and Gov. Marc Racicot, in the fifth month of their tenures, a recent Lee Newspapers poll showed.

Schweitzer, who took office in January, received a positive job approval score of 57 percent, the poll showed. This grade compared with Martz's 44 percent in May 2001 and Racicot's 47 percent in May 1993.

E-mails of support also came into Helena from Florida, Kansas, Illinois and elsewhere. Some of the people wanted information on relocating to Montana. During his television spot, Schweitzer encouraged people to come to Montana.

And he said he plans to again trumpet the virtues of the Treasure State when he's interviewed by Lou Dobbs Thursday.

"I don't know what his questions are, but I know what the answers will be," Schweitzer said. "He'll ask his questions, and my answers will be that Montana is the best darn place."