Montana could be tough for Obama in 2012

HELENA — Jon Tester isn't likely to have President Barack Obama in the state helping him — or hurting him.

In 2008, President Barack Obama contested the state, helping lift many Democrats to victory. It brought a rare presidential contest into the state.

AP Photo/Reed Saxon/FILE)

Democrat Jon Tester, right, celebrates with Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer as Tester declares victory in his election battle for the U.S. Senate seat held by incumbent Republican Conrad Burns in Great Falls on Nov. 8, 2006.

But this year, Montana doesn't appear to figure into Obama's win strategy. And t...