Both parties aim to seize control of Legislature

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana GOP is confident a rising tide of conservative politics nationwide will trickle down into the state's local races and give Republicans full control of the Legislature for the first time in six years.

Democrats believe their effectiveness in running the state will be rewarded on Election Day.

In the weeks leading up to Tuesday's election, Republicans have launched an aggressive campaign spurred by anger from their base over federal health care reform and spending as they vowed to use control of both the state Senate and House to stymie state implementation...