In the summer of 2008, Gov. Brian Schweitzer jumped into the national spotlight with a rousing speech at the Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver. He fired up the crowd by calling for a new clean energy future, saying that four billion in tax breaks to Big Oil is "a lot of change, but not the change we need."

This summer, the Montana governor will kick off the fifth annual Netroots Nation in Las Vegas with another powerful message.

From healthcare reform to smart economic solutions, we need our leaders to fiercely advocate for progressive change. And Gov. Schweitzer is no stranger to taking on powerful interests for the sake of the public good.

The LA Times attributes the Governor's success to his ability to connect with the values of Western voters. But it's his common sense approach to smart, populist policies that make him the perfect person to kick off our fifth annual convention this July.

Gov. Schweitzer is a farmer and rancher who held no elected office prior to January, 2005, when he was sworn in as the first Democratic Governor to serve Montana in 20 years. He has become known for his forward-looking energy policies, his hard-driving and common-sense leadership style, and his working attire: blue-jeans, boots, a jacket, and a bolo-tie.

He has received high marks for delivering on his priorities outlined on Inauguration Day: Incentives for bio-fuel and wind-energy production; an historic increase in public education spending along with a balanced budget and no new taxes; stronger protection of public lands for hunting, fishing and camping; and a purchasing pool for small businesses who want to buy health insurance for workers but the Governor has also become a leading voice on national agricultural and resource issues, ranging from bison management near Yellowstone National Park, the importation of diseased cattle from Canada, and American dependence on foreign oil.

In addition to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, you'll hear from MSNBC's Ed Schultz, Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead, environmental justice champion Majora Carter, Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas and AFSCME president Gerald McEntee, as well as Nevada Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford. Elon James White, comedian and host of the award-winning web series This Week in Blackness, will emcee.