Election NIGHT

Turnout High in Billings, Burns Crowd Optimistic

By Pete Talbot, 11-07-06

	Young Democrats doing last-minute calls. Photo by Pete Talbot

For recent results on the Tester/Burns race, click here.

BILLINGS -- Initial Montana election results should be in shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m. These will be the absentee ballots that election departments around the state started counting at midnight last night.

County elections officials say the first numbers from today's voters will be in around 9:15 p.m. Statewide results should follow closely thereafter. Then another batch will be released at 10 p.m. to placate local news producers. Governor Schweitzer predicts Montanans will know who the winners are by 10 p.m. However, spokesmen for Sen. Conrad Burns (R) and challenger Jon Tester (D) campaigns, Jason Klindt and Aaron Murphy, respectively, are predicting a late night.

Turnout here in Billings has been heavy. Yellowstone County election administrator Duane Winslow says his office has been "very, very busy."

"More people than the last presidential election," he added.

Some personal notes: Republicans are pouring into the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, where Senator Conrad Burns is having his election night party. I'm here, too. The problem is that the wireless Internet doesn't seem to be working. Republican strategists are tearing their hair out. I'm running next door to the Holiday Inn and pirating their WiFi to get election results and file stories.

Also, there are long faces at the bar as early results from the East start coming in. It's not trending well for the GOP as Fox News tells the party faithful. I've seen a number of double shots being ordered. They're still relatively optimistic about Burns' chances and also have Rep. Denny Rehberg showing up later, which will definitely raise morale.

The Democrats are gathering at The Depot in downtown Billings. Monica Lindeen, Rehberg's challenger for Montana's sole U.S House seat will be there. We'll see what the mood is at that event.

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