Bullock will be next Montana governor

(HELENA)- His lead shrank somewhat as the votes trickled in throughout the early morning hours Wednesday, but in the end Democrat Steve Bullock's was still able to claim victory in Montana's gubernatorial race. 

Bullock had lead the early voting by as much as 10-points. And Republican Rick Hill made a race of it during the mid-morning counts, eventually drawing with a point-and-a-half. But Hill's attempt to convert his experience as a Congressman into the governor's mansion simply ran out of ballots, letting Bullock claim victory with 48.8% of the vote by early afternoon. 

Bullock called the win a victory for "hand-working Montanans", saying their "voices had been heard." 

“I want to congratulate Steve Bullock on his election and I wish him and his running mate John Walsh the best," Hill said in a prepared statement. "Both are dedicated public servants, and I know that they will do their best to make the right decisions for Montana."

Sales tax, minimum wage mark gubernatorial debate

Bullock, right and Hill, left, shake hands during Saturday's MTN debate- MTN photo(BOZEMAN)- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Bullock says if legislation to set up a sales tax in Montana ever came across his desk he’d veto it. 

But when Bullock charged that his Republican rival Rick Hill thinks otherwise during the latest debate between the pair, Hill shot back he’s “never proposed a sales tax in this campaign.”

The sales tax was just one thorny point between the two, as they faced off during a Bozeman debate broadcast statewide Saturday night on the MTN Network. 

Bullock, the current Montana Attorney General, and Hill, the former Montana Congressman are both vying to replace Gov. Brian Schweitzer when his second term is complete at the end of the year. 

Most polls have the race in a dead heat, and the debate was further proof of how the outcome could hinge on one of several key issues, including state spending, business development and the economy, and what both men have done previously in their political careers. 

Hill underlined his work to reform cut taxes and rework welfare programs while he was serving in Washington. Bullock pointed to campaigns from the AG’s office on drunk driving and defending Montana’s rights to limit campaign spending. 

Bullock took Hill to task for being against increases in Montana’s minimum wage. But Hill argued that studies show higher minimum wage levels are killing the development of new jobs. 

Bullock heads for gubernatorial showdown with Hill

(HELENA)- Attorney General Steve Bullock has been considered the Democratic frontrunner in the race to succeed Brian Schweitzer ever since he entered the race. And Tuesday's voting put proof in that perception with numbers.

Bullock cruised to an easy win in the Democratic Primary Tuesday night, with supporters declaring victory shortly after the polls closed. Bullock captured the nomination by a landslide with 87% of the vote over Heather Margolis, a political newcomer who had jumped into the race at the last minute.

The outcome was much closer on the Republican side.

Former Congressman Rick Hill had over 32,000 votes for a solid 35% out of a field that was crowded with candidates. Corey Stapleton, who had contended sharply with Hill down the stretch had just 18% of the votes counted by late in the evening. 

Former state Senator Ken Miller of Laurel finished close to Stapleton with 17%. 

That sets up the November showdown between Hill and Bullock in a race that's expected to see major political dollars being spent and both men pressing hard on their experience. 

Hill leads fundraising, polls for GOP gubernatorial race

Rick Hill campaign photo(GREAT FALLS)- Rick Hill appears to be building steam in his final push to Montana's June Primary election and hopes of locking up the GOP nomination to run for governor this fall.

The Great Falls Tribune is reporting Hill now has a campaign war chest of more than $500,000, or about 5-times more than Corey Stapleton according to totals at the end of March. There are seven Republicans running for the seat being vacated by Gov. Brian Schweitzer. 

And Hill appears to be holding an edge with voters as well. Poll results released by Public Policy Polling last week showed the former Congressman the favorite among 33% of those surveyed. Ken Miller was a distant second with 12%. 

Hill has been on the stump around Montana since last winter, pressing campaign issues ranging from business promotion and development, cutting taxes and government "red tape" and promoting development of Montana's natural resources. 

GOP candidates trail Democratic counterparts in gubernatorial fund raising

(HELENA)- So far, Montana's political money is flowing more freely into Democratic coffers in the race for governor, at least during the end of 2011.

However, much of that advantage is driven by the strong fund raising of Steve Bullock.

KXLH TV reports that Bullock has raised more than half-a-million dollars, with $160,000 coming in between October and the end of the year. 

Republican Rick Hill isn't far behind hill, having raised $460,000 for his campaign effort, with $81,000 during the 4th quarter. 

Republican Corey Stapleton banked $91,000 during the end of the year, followed by Republican Jess Essmann with $86,000.