With the Presidential election just over forty days away, "battleground" states such as Michigan and Florida have been profiled by Cable News Network and other news organizations.  Now it's Montana's turn in the limelight, as CNN's John King spent some time in the Treasure State this week.

Having covered six presidential elections, John King was able to offer some insight into this very unique election and Montana's role in it.

King said of Montana, "It's a state that's competitive when you look at the battleground in the horse race of presidential politics. It's also a state that has a mix of the important issues. You have a pretty good economy out here right now and an unemployment rate that is below the national average, but if you have a trucking industry, which you need in a big state or the ranching industry, and you're dependent on trade, you have economic pressures here that are different."

King also talked to Governor Brian Schweitzer yesterday about energy issues, the economy, and the current economic bailout plan being debated in Washington. He said that Schweitzer is a very "colorful" person who may end up playing a major role in the rest of the campaign season...and what comes after.

King explained: "The Governor of Montana, who has spent a lot of time on these issues is somebody who any president, Republican or Democrat, would want around the table when the country's having these discussions. So, he's an interesting guy to talk to - both for what will happen in the next 40 days of the presidential campaign, but also for what will happen after the campaign."

King reported live on CNN from Helena several times during his stay, and filed at least one report from Marysville.

The CNN crew will head back east early tomorrow to get ready for the presidential debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama in Mississippi, which at this point is still scheduled to occur.