Reply #6: I really don't think so...

[SteppingRazor]

I mean, it's possible -- Burns is 73 years old, IIRC, so he could always retire. But I really don't think it likely. First, Racicot has said time and again he wouldn't run -- and has even said he wouldn't run in an open seat.

Second, Montana has been trending Democratic throughout the last several election cycles. Both of its state congressional houses recently flipped to Democratic majorities, and of course the governorship recently went to a Democrat as well. At this stage in the game, Racicot might have a chance, been Rehberg simply doesn't have the funds. Both Tester and Morrison have already had months to fundraise and -- even with the close primary -- would enjoy a huge fundraising lead over Rehberg. And the fact is, when a Democrat holds a huge cash lead (a fairly rare occurance in any state) the Dem. almost always wins. Given that, and Montana's Democratic trend, I don't think Rehberg would stand a chance. Burns' people are just as aware of this as an armchair political junkie like me, and know that Burns enjoys both a previous fundraising effort and the incumbent advantage. So, although behind in the polls at this point, he's still the best hope for the GOP in Montana, and the GOP knows it.

Just my opinion though.