Chalk one up for the GOP

by Tim Storey

The AP is reporting tonight that a recount in a Montana House race moved the election from a tie of 1971 to 1971 to a victory for Republican Krayton Kerns by three votes--1971 to 1968.  Kern's win means that Republicans will have 50 seats in the Montana House compared to 49 for the Democrats.  Constitution Party member Rick Jore won a seat as well, so the party composition winds up 50 R, 49 D and 1 Constitution.  Jore (a former Republican) is expected to support the the GOP leadership candidates.  Prior to the November 7th election, the Montana House was tied 50 R-50 D, so this development gives the House to the GOP--their only legislative chamber victory of 2006.  Hopefully, this closes the book on 2006 legislative elections.  Assuming there are no more recounts that reverse current results (a possibility in Pennsylvania), here are the "final" numbers for legislative party control for 2007 legislative sessions:

Total switches in party control: 12 (10 to the D's, 1 to GOP and 1 to tied).

Legislative control: 23D, 15R, 11 split, 1 nonpartisan.    

Chambers controlled: 56D, 41R, 1 tied, 1 nonpartisan.    

Total control, legislature and governor: 15D, 10R, 24 divided, 1 nonpartisan.    

Net gains of legislative seats: +321D (+149D East, +107D Midwest, +21D South, +72D West).