Huckabee said Brown and running mate Steve Daines will need to push a positive message about their campaign in order to beat Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer.
"I think the key is to not attack him, but to talk about what they will do and how they will bring a different philosophy and a natural style that would be good for the people of Montana," Huckabee said in an interview after a fundraiser for Brown in Bozeman.
Brown, a state senator, has teamed with Daines, a Bozeman businessman, to unseat Schweitzer and Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, who are seeking a second term.
So far, Brown has focused on advocating permanent property tax cuts, other tax reductions and increased energy development. He has described Schweitzer's $400 tax rebate as a temporary gimmick and been critical of what he calls excessive state spending under the Democrats.
Schweitzer has pointed to achievements such as increased education spending without tax increases, a strong Montana economy and the development of alternative energy sources.
Brown has dismissed claims he is trying to position himself for another run down the road.
"I'm not doing this for practice," he said. "This is the real show. We think we can win."
Huckabee said Brown has an advantage that Schweitzer does not. The former Arkansas governor said he thinks either of the Democratic presidential candidates could make it hard on state candidates in places like Montana.
"Frankly, given I think Montana's spirit, I would rather be running for governor with John McCain up ticket than I would with Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama up ticket," Huckabee said. "The governor here is going to have a tough time. Does he run with his party, or does he run from his party?"
Earlier Wednesday, Huckabee attended a breakfast fundraiser in Billings. Brown's campaign said it expected to raise $20,000 Wednesday from the two $100-a-plate fundraisers featuring Huckabee.
Huckabee said Brown and Daines, who was chair of Huckabee's Montana campaign until Huckabee exited the presidential race in early March, promote the same conservative values that got him elected governor of Arkansas - including an opposition to abortion.
Huckabee said he will continue to travel the country to promote Republican candidates, saying a good outcome in November is critical for Republicans. The former governor also said he will do whatever he can to help McCain win, although McCain has not talked to him about being his running mate despite recent speculation.
"I have no expectation of getting that call," Huckabee said.
Associated Press writer Matthew Brown in Billings contributed to this report.
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