Democrat Jon Tester is going to declare victory over Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Montana).

With nearly all the votes counted, Tester widened his lead over Burns. The win will put the Democrats one seat away from reclaiming the Senate.

Burns currently serves as chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee, which handles funding for Indian programs. He came under heavy fire during the campaign for his association with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Burns denies any wrongdoing but the 2004 appropriations bill contained several provisions favorable to Abramoff's clients. Some of his former staffers got caught up in the scandal.

Get the Story:
Tester claims victory (The Great Falls Tribune 11/8)
Tester to declare victory at 11 a.m. (The Billings Gazette 11/8)
Burns, Tester race hangs in balance (The Great Falls Tribune 11/8)
Challenger Maintains Lead Over Sen. Burns (The Washington Post 11/8)
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Another anxious night for Burns, as in '88 (The Billings Gazette 11/8)

Relevant Links:
Jon Tester for US Senate - http://www.testerforsenate.com
Conrad Burns for Senate - http://www.conradburns.com
Sen. Conrad Burns - http://burns.senate.gov
Montana Republican Party - http://www.mtgop.org
Montana Democratic Party - http://www.montanademocrats.org

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