Campaign 2012

Daines will win U.S. House race in Montana; Gillan concedes

Posted: Nov 7, 2012 7:11 AM by MTN News
Updated: Nov 7, 2012 10:04 AM

Steve Daines LIVE on Montana This Morning after election

BOZEMAN - Bozeman businessman Steve Daines will win the lone U.S. House seat in Montana as he built a 10-point lead early Wednesday morning to keep the seat in GOP hands.

Kim Gillan proved to have strong support early, and held the lead when the first results were released. But Daines pulled away to win.

As of 7 a.m. Wednesday with 68% of precincts fully reported in Montana, Daines has 207,169 votes to Gillan's 198,498. Libertarian David Kaiser has 16,839 votes.

Gillan released the following statement on the election results after calling to congratulate Daines, according to a press release:

"I congratulate Mr. Daines and thank all Montanans for voting. We are so lucky to live in a country where we can vote for our representatives. I have tremendous respect for the process and everyone who voted.

"This campaign was never about me. It's always been about the people of Montana. To my family, my staff, and my supporters and volunteers all across Montana who gave your money, your time and your votes: Thank you! I am so proud of the campaign we ran and I am so proud of you. Montanans are very lucky to have strong leaders like Max Baucus and Jon Tester in the U.S. Senate and Jon's win is a win for all Montanans."