News & Tech

Sen. Conrad Burns in Montana has closed a considerable gap against challenger Jon Tester. The latest Rasmussen Reports poll in Montana finds Tester with 48% of the vote while Burns earns 46%. When "leaners" are included, Tester leads 49% to 46%

Taegan Goddard of 'Political Wire'concludes that a closer look at the numbers spells trouble for Burns. He "has a higher unfavorable (53%) than favorable (45%) rating, and he is viewed ‘very unfavorably’ by 36%. Tester is viewed favorably by 52% overall, ‘very unfavorably’ by 24%."

A MSU poll earlier this week had Tester leading by 11 points

***

Rasmussen notes in the accompanying analysis that though the race has often been close, but Tester has had the advantage on six of the last seven polls. The only exception came in August when we found the candidates tied at 47%.

Rasmussen Reports conducted the current survey October 18, the day after the two candidates participated in a televised debate. They clashed over tax cuts, political corruption and, most notably, the war in Iraq. Tester advocates withdrawal of U.S. troops. Burns says the U.S. must persist despite any changes in strategy that may be necessary.

If Burns wins in Montana - the Democrats can write off any hope of recapturing the US Senate.

--Jim Roberts writes from Manhattan