Election 2006 Watch: John Tester Wins Montana Senate Seat

Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., walks out of the Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings, Mont., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006. Incumbent Sen. Burns was locked in the fight of his political life early Wednesday, trailing Democrat Jon Tester by fewer than 2,000 votes as the GOP tried to hang on to control of the Senate.

AP: Democrat wins Montana seat, ties Senate

Republican Sen. Conrad Burns lost his job in a squeaker of a race Wednesday, thrust from office due to his own gaffes, his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and a determined campaign by Democrat Jon Tester, a farmer.

Tester’s win gave Democrats at least half the U.S. Senate, but the party still needed a victory in a tight Virginia race to gain control.

Burns, 71, first elected in 1988 as a folksy, backslapping outsider, has been under siege because of his ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and because of his own gaffes â€” including an incident in which he cursed at firefighters.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Tester had 198,032 votes, or 49.1 percent, to Burns’ 194,904 votes, or 48.3 percent.

Put a fork in Conrad Burns – He’s done!

Also put a fork in the GOP’s chances to hold control of the United States Senate. There will be a recount in Virigina but it will be a long shot at best.

Senate breakdown will be 49-49-2 with the two independents voting with the Democrats.

Just as Flap predicted – A DEBACLE

Stay tuned…….