Election 2006

Democrat Tester Wins Montana Senate Seat

Democratic Senate candidate Jon Tester (right) celebrates his victory with Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Justin Sullivan

Democratic Senate candidate Jon Tester (right) celebrates his victory with Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Getty Images

All Things Considered, November 8, 2006 · Democrat Jon Tester claims victory in his closely fought Montana Senate race with incumbent Conrad Burns. With only a couple thousand votes separating the two candidates, a recount is possible. But so far, Burns has had no comment on the tally.

As results of Tuesday's midterm elections are being finalized, the House has gone to the Democrats. Control of the Senate, however, is still up in the air.

Tester's victory over Burns, the three-term incumbent, means that the Senate will either be split, or it will go to the Democrats, depending on results in Virginia's close race between Republican Sen. George Allen and Jim Webb.

But Tester's margin of victory in Montana is razor-thin, which may open the door to a recount challenge by Republicans.

Burns has not conceded, and if the margin becomes even slimmer, he would have the right under Montana law to request a recount, although he would have to pay for the count.

Tester is operating under the assumption that not only is he heading to the Senate, but to a new Democratic majority there. And he says he hopes the new majority will move quickly to make its mark.

At his headquarters, Tester said, "I think the mandate is, take the government back, start empowering the middle class. That's my mandate."

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)