Topic: Marc Racicot

Marc F. Racicot (pronounced /ˈrɑːskoʊ/, like "Roscoe") (born July 24, 1948) is a U.S. politician and lobbyist and member of the Republican Party. He was the governor of Montana from 1993 until 2001. After leaving office, Racicot worked as a lobbyist for the law firm Bracewell & Patterson. His notable clients included Enron, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and the Recording Industry Association of America. He also served as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2002 until 2003, when he was appointed as the chairman of the Bush re-election campaign. In 2000 as well as 2004 he was rumored to be Bush's choice for Attorney General. During the 2000 election some saw him as a possible running mate for Bush. The Washington Post has described him as "one of Bush's closest friends and advisers"

Prior to being elected governor of Montana, he served as a prosecutor in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Army (1973–1976), as deputy county attorney for Missoula County (1976–1977), as assistant attorney general and special prosecutor for the state of Montana (1977–1988) and as Montana attorney general (1988–1993). Racicot received an undergraduate degree from Carroll College and a law degree from the University of Montana.

In 1992 incumbent Governor Stan Stephens declined to run because of health problems. Racicot then competed with Democrat Dorothy Bradley of Bozeman. With taxes the main campaign issue, both candidates calling for a 4 percent sales tax but differed on how to spend such a tax. Racicot barely prevailed, 51–49 percent.