Political analyst downgrades Burns' re-election chances (Montana Senate)

[Lasher]

HELENA — Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg changed his assessment of Montana's U.S. Senate race from a toss-up to one that leans toward a Democratic takeover Tuesday.

Rothenberg's downgrading of incumbent Republican Sen. Conrad Burns' chances in his race against Democrat Jon Tester followed a similar move by Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Sabato's judgment was more critical: His most recent evaluation views Burns' seat as a "probable" pickup for the Democrats in November.

"Conrad Burns just can't survive many more gaffes," Sabato said Tuesday. "He's already behind, he's already in trouble, and this just adds to the controversy surrounding him."

Sabato was referring to another recent foot-in-mouth incident involving Burns. The senator got in trouble last month for confronting a Virginia hotshot crew in the Billings airport and accusing them of not working hard enough. He later apologized. On Tuesday, Democrats released remarks by Burns that they taped during a June meeting in which he joshes about whether a maintenance worker is an illegal immigrant. Burns spokesman Jason Klindt said the worker in question is here legally.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/NEWS01/608230311/1002

An August 10 Rasmussen poll showed Tester and Burns tied at 47%.

[acmavm]

1. Crap, the old coot can't stay awake long enough to accomplish

anything. If they retire his worthless corrupt hide he can take all the naps he wants.

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. He's not already taking all the naps he wants? n/t

[tanyev]

3. Bill Bennett better call his bookie.