State Political Profile: Montana
U.S. Senate
Democrats are hoping to take advantage of Republican Sen. Conrad Burns' alleged ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and have already launched a tough campaign criticizing Burns as being at the center of a "Republican culture of corruption."
Big Sandy farmer and state lawmaker Jon Tester came out swinging after a come-from-behind win over John Morrison in the June Democratic primary.
Tester, who has already called on Burns to resign because of the alleged ties to Abramoff, is hitting hard on the so-called "Republican culture of corruption."
The state Senate president did well in the primary with voters in both urban and rural areas.
The Burns campaign attacked right after Tester's win, pointing out that Tester wouldn't support a ban on gay marriage.
Democrats, still savoring 2004 election victories that saw them take control of the Legislature and saw the election of a popular Democratic governor, are buoyed by a belief that Montana is no longer a "red state."
Recent polls showed Burns' popularity slipping amid reports that the Abramoff investigation could lead to members of Congress, including Burns.
Burns, 70, has dismissed the criticism as smear based on falsehoods and innuendo. "I have done nothing wrong and I feel pretty good about this whole thing," Burns said during a January tour of the state to respond to the charges.
Legislature
Republicans are out to prove that 2004 was a fluke, an election year that saw Democrats wrestle the Legislature away from the GOP.
Both parties are gearing up for a more expensive, and likely nastier, 2006 rematch for legislative races.
Democrats say they are confident they will build on their best electoral showing in 20 years, solidify their 27-23 advantage in the Senate and bust open a 50-50 tie in the House. The party wants to make sure popular first-term Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer has more room to move his agenda.
"We have more quality candidates stepping forward then ever before," Jim Farrell, executive director of Montana Democrats, said. "This is a great time to be a Democrat in Montana."
Republicans say they will rebound from losses they largely chalk up to new legislative districts drawn favorably for Democrats.
U.S House
Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg faces an easier race with early polls projecting a 2-1 lead over his anticipated challenger, state lawmaker Monica Lindeen. Lindeen, a Democrat from eastern Montana, took an easy primary victory.
-- Associated Press
