[AuH2ORepublican]

Racicot wouldn't run for the House for all the tea in China. If he was "too good" to run for the Senate in 2002 (when he would have trounced Baucus), why would he run for a 2-year term to be one of 435?

Hopefully Racicot will reconsider and run against Baucus in 2008 (which is when the seat comes up), but the GOP would need another candidate to run for the House.

As for exactly how popular Rehberg is, I think you're right that "wildly popular" is a bit hyperbolic, but Rehberg has gotten over 60% in his House reelection races. Unless a higher-profile Democrat runs, Rehberg will win the Senate race.

[Wallace T.]

Historically, hasn't Montana's Democratic strength been in the union dominated mining areas in the western part of the state? With the decline of mining, the weakening of union power, and the shift in liberal philosophy from emphasizing labor issues and union rights to causes like abortion access, euthanasia, and homosexual rights, it would seem that Democratic strength in Montana is bound to decline. Montana may never be as conservative as Utah or Wyoming, but it should be moving to GOP dominance.