Brian Schweitzer's Veep Credentials Broken Down

Born: Sept. 4, 1955 (age 52); Havre, Montana
Spouse: Nancy H. Schweitzer
Current Residence: Whitefish, Mont.
Religion: Roman Catholic
College: Colorado State University; Montana State University
Credentials: Governor of Montana 2004-present

The Good

• Learned to speak Arabic after spending several years in the Middle East working on irrigation
• Approval ratings in Montana hover around 70 percent, the highest in the country
• Has cross-party appeal with a focus on individual rights, including strong support for 2nd Amendment

The Bad

• Lacks experience. Governorship is his first elected office and he has never had to perform on a national stage
• Lack of name recognition
• Comes from a small state with few electoral votes

Brian Schweitzer may not have the resume of other vice presidential choices, but at 70 percent approval in Montana, he must be doing something right.

Maybe it's that folksy persona he embodies with his farm, family and dog, Jag. It certainly can't be a bad thing that Schweitzer appeals to those "guns and God" voters that Obama might have alienated earlier this year.

Tack onto that Schweitzer's experience working in the Middle East along with his ability to speak Arabic and you start to get a picture of a very viable candidate for a VP pick.