On Election Day, the Montana House of Representatives finished the night split down the middle, and the Republicans lost control of the chamber. After Democrats selected Bob Bergren to be their leader, Gov. Brian Schweitzer appointed him to serve as Speaker of the House.

Bergren was first elected to the legislature six years ago. Before becoming speaker, he served on the Committees for Rules and Legislative Administration and was the Deputy Democratic Leader in the lower chamber.

Shortly after learning that he would lead the lower chamber in its next session, Bergren said that passing a new, two-year budget would be his top priority. He told reporters that making smart decisions in the face of the national economic crisis was, "vital" and pledged to work across the aisle as he governed.

Bergren is a retired firefighter who served as president and vice president of his local union before seeking elected office, and once he becomes speaker, Bergren will become the only firefighter to lead a state legislative chamber. He has served on the executive board of the Montana AFL-CIO since 2001. Before serving in the legislature, Bergren spent two years as a city councilman in his local community.