September 15, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many voters in the Treasure State would give incumbent Conrad Burns a new term in the United States Senate, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 51 per cent of respondents in Montana would support the Republican in head-to-head contests against two Democratic challengers.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many voters in the Treasure State would give incumbent Conrad Burns a new term in the United States Senate, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 51 per cent of respondents in Montana would support the Republican in head-to-head contests against two Democratic challengers.

Burns was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988. In 2000, he defeated Democrat Brian Schweitzer—now Montana's governor—by four points. Burns had previously established several radio and television stations across Montana and Wyoming, and served for two years at the Yellowstone County Commission.

Burns holds a 13-point lead over state Senate president John Tester, and a 12-point advantage over Montana state auditor John Morrison.

Last month, vice-president Dick Cheney endorsed the current Montana senator during a fundraising event in Billings, declaring, "Conrad Burns is at the forefront of issues and takes his job seriously. No senator knows his own state better that Conrad Burns."

The election is scheduled for November 2006.

Polling Data

Who would you vote for in the election for the United States Senate?

(Option 1)

Conrad Burns (R)	51%
Jon Tester (D)	38%
Other	4%

(Option 2)

Conrad Burns (R)	51%
John Morrison (D)	39%
Other	4%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 500 likely Montana voters, conducted on Sept. 8, 2005. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.