Scenes from Election Night in Helena

CNS photographer JEREK WOLCOTT covered the thrill and agony of election night at Democratic and Republican gatherings in Helena. For a better view of of the photos and capitions, click on the "View All Images" button above.

Democrats Poised to Sweep State Offices

Democrat Steve Bullock won a hard-fought race become Montana's next attorney general. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT.

With Gov. Brian Schweiter leading the way, Democrats were on the verge early this morning of sweeping all of the state offices on yesterday's ballot.

As expected, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, a Republican, won their re-elections races easily but races for state offices were harder-fought affairs.

Incumbent Republican Secretary of State Brad Johnson was trailing his Democratic opponent Linda McCulloch in a close race, but other Democrats were winning by convincing margins.

Democrat Steve Bullock defeated Republican Tim Fox in the attorney general's race, which featured some of the most negative TV adds of the campaign.

In the state auditor's race, former legislator Monica Lindeen, a Democrat, held a commanding margin over Republican Duane Grimes, another former legislator.

Democrat Denise Juneau defeated Republican Elaine Sollie Herman in the race for superintendent of public instruction.

In the nonpartisan race for chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, Attorney General Mike McGrath won a lopsided race against challenger Ron Waterman of Helena.

Montanans also voted on a trio of ballot issues. They approved a renewal of the six-mill property tax levy to fund higher education and voted to expand health care coverage for Montana children under the CHIPs program. They rejected a proposal to allow the state to invest more of its trust fund revenue in the stock market.

Montana Democrats Celebrate Victories

Democrats gathered in Helena react as CNN projects Barack Obama the winner in Tuesday's presidential election. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT.

Blue Night for Republicans

A lone viewer at Helena's Republican election party watches as Democratic President-elect Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT.

Schweitzer Wins a Second Term

Gov. Brian Schweitzer receives a supporter's congratulations in Helena after CNN projected him the winner over over GOP challenger Roy Brown of Billings. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT

"The Unlikely Candidates": Mike Fellows

This video story was produced for Montana Journal, a production of Radio-TV students at the University of Montana's School of Journalism.

"The Unlikely Candidates": Stan Jones

This video story was produced for Montana Journal, a production of Radio-TV students at the University of Montana's School of Journalism.

"The Unlikely Candidates": Donald Eisenmenger

This video story was produced for Montana Journal, a production of Radio-TV students at the University of Montana's School of Journalism.

You Decide: Should Montanans Expand Health Care Insurance for Children?

CNS Reporter Tess McEnroe produced this multimedia report on the arguments over I-155. The ballot issue asks Montanans to expand the CHIP program, which provides health care insurace for children of parents who cannot afford to provide it themselves.

For an article on the issue, click here.

"The Unlikely Candidates": John Driscoll

Watch for additional "Unlikely Candidates" coverage tonight at 7:30 on Montana PBS. This story was produced by Radio-TV students at the University of Montana School of Journalism.

"The Unlikely Candidates": Robert Kelleher

Watch for additional "Unlikely Candidates" coverage tonight at 7:30 on Montana PBS. This story was produced by Radio-TV students at the University of Montana School of Journalism.

Radio-TV Students Cover "Unlikely Candidates"

Watch the Broadcast Tonight at 7:30 on Montana PBS

MISSOULA - In a political season marked by promises of change, "Montana Journal: The Unlikely Candidates," profiles six Montana candidates who offer an alternative to mainstream politics. They face long odds to win one of the 2008 statewide offices but they all agree it is important that they run.

The show features two candidates inside the major parties, Republican Bob Kelleher of Butte running for U.S. Senate and Democrat John Driscoll of Helena running for U.S. Representative, each using unusual campaign strategies. The program also profiles Libertarian candidates Mike Fellows, Stan Jones and Donald Eisenmenger as well as Constitution Party candidate Sieglinde Sharbono. Each of the candidates speaks to the question of what they bring to the process.

Montana Journal will be broadcast on Montana PBS (KUFM-TV in Missoula and KUSM-TV in Bozeman), Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 p.m. The program will repeat on Monday, November 3rd at 9:30 p.m.

The Montana Journal series is produced by The University of Montana School of Journalism Radio-Television Department students. Montana Journal is now in the 11th year of production and is produced by senior-level students in the University of Montana Radio-Television Department and School of Journalism. John Twiggs, RTV adjunct instructor and award-winning MontanaPBS producer, teaches the class and oversees the student production.
MontanaPBS is a service of The University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman.

LR 118: Should Voters Renew the 6-mill levy?

CNS Reporter Tiffany Wilson produced this multimedia report on the arguments over LR-118, which asks Montanans to renew the statewide 6-mill levy in support of the state's university system. For an article on the issue, click here.

In Their Own Words: Montana's Candidates for Governor

CNS Reporters Natalie Newumann, Holly Baker and Molly Priddy produced this report asking Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer and his Republican challenger, Roy Brown, to outline their agendas for Montana's next legislative session.

Third-Party Hopefuls Offer a Different View

Libertarians Stan Jones(left) and Mike Fellows

Sieglinde Sharbono, Constitution Party, and Libertarian Donald Eisenmenger

Watch: The Unlikely Candidates," at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 30, on MontanaPBS.

It's all in the message, these candidates say

By CHRIS D’ANGELO and MATT MCLEOD
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

For major-party candidates in high-profile races, earning a nomination can be the thrill of a lifetime and a stepping-stone to the halls of political power and respect. But for most third-party Montana contenders, being on the ballot is more about sending a message than winning an election.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Meet Montana's Attorney General Candidates

Reporter Breanna Roy produced this story on attorney general candidates Steve Bullock, a Democrat, and Republican Tim Fox. The race, featuring dueling TV ads over gun rights and other issues, is one of the hardest fought campaigns on the Nov. 4 ballot.

For more information on the race, see CNS reporter Mark Page's story for this blog and an article by the Lee State Bureau analyzing the candidates' TV ads.

For PSC, District 3: John Vincent

DEMOCRAT

AGE: 66

BIRTHPLACE: New Haven, Conn.

HOME CITY: Gallatin Gateway, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Peggy; one daughter

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Government teacher, Bozeman Senior High School, 30 years; adjunct instructor, government, Montana State University

EDUCATION: BA, American Government (Honors) Seattle University; Teaching Certification (BA Equivalent) Seattle University. Approximately four years of graduate study, Montana State University and University of Montana

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Eight terms, Montana House of Representatives; House Speaker, 1985-1986, 1989-1990; Minority Leader, 1987-1988; Majority Leader, 1985-1986; Bozeman City Commissioner, 1992-1995; Bozeman Mayor, 1994-1995; Gallatin County Commissioner, 2001-2006, Chairman, 2003, 2004, 2006

MILITARY SERVICE: None

ORGANIZATIONS: Montana Retired Teachers Campaign

Olson, Vincent Vie for PSC District 3 Seat

John Vincent (left) and Alan Olson

By LAURA BARNES
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

As the cold season descends on Montana, consumers can expect their power bills to make serious dents in their pocketbooks. How those power bills change over the next few years, however, depends in part on what the state rate-setting Public Service Commission has to say about it.

That’s where PSC candidates Alan Olson and John Vincent step in.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Secretary of State Rivals Spar over Elections

Brad Johnson and Linda McCulloch

By ERICA DOORNEK
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Whether it’s striving to comply with election law, helping voters register, or streamlining business licensing, the secretary of state’s job is to set the record straight and ensure Montanans’ confidence in the process.

But after the 2006 election raised concerns about vote security and late-registration policies, the question is, just how far has election reform come and where should it go?

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

I-155 Would Insure More Montana Children

Photo by Tess McEnroe

Patients at Missoula's Partnership Health Center wait to see a doctor. Health care costs are a major issue in many campaigns this year.

By ELIZABETH HARRISON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

This morning, more than 30,000 Montana children woke up without health insurance. If ballot Initiative 155 is passed on Nov. 4, that number could disappear.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Ethics Charges Trump Issues in PSC District 2

Brad Molnar (left) and Ron Tussing

BY RYAN THOMPSON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Public Service Commission District 2 candidates Brad Molnar and Ron Tussing may not hate each other, but don’t look for them to be playing golf together anytime soon.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Schweitzer, Brown Spar over Energy, Taxes

Photos by Jerek Wolcott

Roy Brown (left) and Brian Schweitzer

By MOLLY PRIDDY
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

You might not guess it by their increasingly negative TV ads, but both major-party candidates for governor foresee a brighter future for Montana. They just disagree on how to get there.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

LISTEN TO THE CANDIDATES' DEBATE: Vol. 1, Vol. 2.

Rehberg Lands a Crucial Vote: His Rival's

John Driscoll (left) and Denny Rehberg

By CHRIS D'ANGELO

Community News Service

UM School of Journalism

It’s hard to imagine a stranger contest than U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg’s run for a fifth term in Congress. First his Democratic challenger, John Driscoll of Helena, vowed not to raise or spend any money on his campaign. Weeks later Driscoll promised to vote for Rehberg on Nov. 4.

What’s going on here?

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Lee Bureau 'Truth Checks' Attorney General Ads

Jennifer McKee, a reporter for Lee newspapers' state bureau, sifted fact from hyperbole in her story today about broadcast ads endorsed by attorney general candidates Steve Bullock and Tim Fox. Her colleague, bureau chief Charles S. Johnson, did a similar analysis this summer on ads run by Gov. Schweitzer. It's good, helpful work.

If you're interested in sites that fact-check national campaign ads, see Factcheck.org or Politifact.com.

Rivals Mood, Gutsche Clash in PSC District 4

Doug Mood and Gail Gutsche

By MATT MCLEOD
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Republican incumbent Doug Mood said he wants another term on the state’s Public Service Commission for two reasons: to keep energy bills low and to keep Democratic challenger Gail Gutsche from getting the job.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

The Battle for Legislative Control

Scores of candidates statewide are fighting for 125 seats in Montana's next Legislature. Reporters NATALIE NEUMANN and HOLLY BAKER produced this audio report on the key races Republican and Democratic strategists are watching in this year's campaign for partisan control of the state Senate and House of Representatives.

Click here for the report.


Click here for a print article on the issue.

Baucus Seeks Historic Win; Kelleher Wants a Pariliament

Bob Kelleher (left) and Max Baucus

By MARK PAGE
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

No one is more surprised than Bob Kelleher that he’s Montana’s Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate.

“I’m still trying to figure out where those 27,000 votes came from, besides my own,” he said of his June primary victory.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Candidates Spar over K-12 Schools

Denise Juneau (left) and Elaine Sollie Herman

By ERICA DOORNEK
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

• Rising costs
• Falling enrollments
• No Child Left Behind
• Full-day kindergarten
• Finding and keeping good teachers

These are just some of the issues facing the state’s next top public school administrator. Candidates Elaine Herman and Denise Juneau want Montanans to know that they’re up to the job.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

U-System Seeks Renewal of Property Tax

Photo By Tiffany Wilson

Student Senator Tony Brockman laughs as Dustin Leftridge slaps a "6 Mill Levy" sticker on his sweater during a rally supporting the referendum at the University of Montana in Missoula.

By LAURA BARNES
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Since 1948, the six-mill levy has been a financial staple for Montana’s universities and colleges. On Nov. 4, Montana voters will decide whether to keep it that way.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Stock Woes Overshadow Ballot Measure

By RYAN THOMPSON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

As the comedians say, it’s all in the timing. Wall Street's woes are casting a dark cloud over a ballot issue asking Montanans to allow the state to invest more public funds in the stock market.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

A student studies the stock ticker in UM's business building. Photo by JEREK WOLCOTT >>

AG Contest Pits Outsider vs. Insider

Tim Fox (left) and Steve Bullock

By MARK PAGE
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

For Democrat Steve Bullock and Republican Tim Fox, the race to replace Attorney General Mike McGrath is a clash of experience, ideology and even style.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

CLICK HERE FOR AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR TV ADS

Health Care Cost Dominates Auditor's Race

Duane Grimes and Monica Lindeen

By CHRIS D’ANGELO
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Let’s get one thing straight: Montana’s state auditor doesn’t audit anything. What she or he really does is keep a watchful eye on the state’s insurance and investment industries and help oversee the management of more than 5 million acres of state lands.

So that explains why the two candidates for the office are spending so much time this campaign talking about the high cost of health insurance and energy.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Chief Justice Rivals Clash Over Experience

Chief justice candidates Ron Waterman (left) and Mike McGrath debated in Missoula on Oct. 1. Photos by Jerek Wolcott

Candidate Bios: Mike McGrath, Ron Waterman

By ELIZABETH HARRISON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Ron Waterman, a Helena attorney running for chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, has an identity problem. Although he is reasonably well known among Montana lawyers and in his home city, this is his first run for statewide office.

His opponent, two-term Attorney General Mike McGrath has been in the news and on yard signs since he first ran for Lewis and Clark county attorney in 1982.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

Parties Scramble for Legislative Control

By MOLLY PRIDDY
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

Despite the unprecedented spotlight on the race for president, the most competitive and influential races in Montana may be those for the chronically divided state Legislature.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

It's Here: The Official Voters' Guide.

Click on the photo for a downloadable version of the pamphlet produced by the Montana Secretary of State's office.

U.S. Senate Candidates on Parade

Photos by Jerek Wolcott

Republican Bob Kelleher wore a tricked-out pair of sunglasses while opponent Max Baucus sported a more laid-back look during the University of Montana's Homecoming parade Saturday in Missoula. Kelleher's substantial eyebrows became something of a trademark after Comedy Central spoofed his 2002 senatorial race on the Green Party ticket.

The Governor's Race: More Q & A

Photo by Jerek Wolcott

What priority do you give to cleaning up industrial pollution in Montana?



How would you support the increasing number of elderly Montanans?



Do you support a federally run health care system for all Americans? If not, what's your solution to making health care more available and affordable?



How would you develop Montana's oil, gas and coal resources? How would renewable fuels fit into your energy plan?

The Governor's Race: Questions and Answers

Photo by Tiffany Wilson

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, left, joined his Republican challenger, state Sen. Roy Brown, center, and Libertarian Stan Jones for their first gubernatorial debate on Sept. 15 at the University of Montana. Hear their answers to selected questions by clicking on the audio files below.

If elected, how would you represent Montana to the nation?

Do you believe climate change is caused by humans? Would you approve any new coal-fired power plants?

What would you do to help Montanans keep pace with the rising cost of living?

For PSC, District 3: Alan Olson

REPUBLICAN

AGE: 52

BIRTHPLACE: Havre, Mont.

HOME CITY: Roundup, Mont.

FAMILY: Wife, Jean, three children

EDUCATION: Havre High School; Halliburton Energy Institute, 1982 and 1984

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Thirty years in the oil and gas industry, with Abercrombie Pipeline, Halliburton, and the Oil and Gas Division of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Montana House of Representatives, 2000-2008; Chairman, House Energy and Telecommunications Committee, 2005-2008; Roundup School Board, 1990-2000

MILITARY SERVICE: None

ORGANIZATIONS: Masons, Snowy Mountain Development Corp., 4-H, Montana School Boards Association, Montana Unified School Trust, Roundup Little League

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.alanolson.com/

For PSC, District 1: Gail Gutsche

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 53
BIRTHPLACE: St. Paul, Minn.
HOME CITY: Missoula, Mont.
FAMILY: Single
EDUCATION: B.A. in English, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., 1976
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Writer, consultant; former Development officer for Missoula, Planned Parenthood and the Missoula Urban Demonstraton Project; Program Coordinator for Women's Voices for the Earth; Co-owner and operator of Wild Rockies Tours in Missoula, 1996-2006; Editor of fashion trade magazine in St. Paul, Minn., 1992; Editor/writer for Salt Lake City publishing company, 1991; Editor/writer for Sun Newspapers and sports publications in Minneapolis and St. Paul, 1976-1991
POLITICAL: Member, Montana House of Representatives, 1999-2005;
MILITARY SERVICE: None
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.gailforpsc.com/

For PSC, District 1: Doug Mood

REPUBLICAN
AGE: 64
BIRTH PLACE: Grand Rapids, Minn.
HOME CITY: Seeley-Swan area
FAMILY: Wife Marion, four sons
EDUCATION: Attended the University of Montana, 1962-1967
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Vice President and Director, Pyramid Mountain Lumber, 1970-2001; Sales Manager, Pyramid Mountain Lumber, 1984-2001
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Member, Montana Public Service Commission, 2004-present; Montana House of Representatives, 1997-2004 (House Speaker, 2004); Chairman, Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners; Member, Steering Committee for Northern Tier Transmission Group
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Opportunity (Board of Advisors), Montana Taxpayers Association (Board of Directors), Montana Wood Products Association, Montana Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors), American Legislative Exchange Council, National Federation of Independent Business
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://dougmood.com/

For PSC, District 2: Ron Tussing

DEMOCRAT
AGE: 61
BIRTHPLACE: Buffalo, N.Y.
HOME CITY: Billings, Mont.
FAMILY: Wife Darlene, four daughters
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Sheriff of Lancaster County, Nebraska; superintendent of Nebraska State Patrol; chief of police in Billings
EDUCATION: Criminal justice degree from the University of Nebraska
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Mayor of Billings
MILITARY SERVICE: None
ORGANIZATIONS: The Yellowstone Rim Runners, the Yellowstone Valley Cycling Club, the Beartooth Paddlers and Celebrate Billings.
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://www.tussingforpsc.com/

For PSC, District 2: Brad Molnar

REPUBLICAN
AGE: 58
BIRTHPLACE: Walkerton, Ind.
HOME CITY: Laurel, Mont.
FAMILY: Divorced, three children and 11 grandchildren
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Grain systems contractor
EDUCATION: B.A. in Forestry, University of Montana
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Four terms in the Montana Legislature
MILITARY SERVICE: None
CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: http://molnar4psc.com/