Democrats pick up US Senate seat in Montana

GREAT FALLS, Montana, Nov 8 (Reuters) Democrat Jon Tester declared victory over Republican Sen Conrad Burns in Montana today after a close race for a crucial seat in the party's bid to gain control of the US Senate.

''We won this thing,'' Tester declared at a Great Falls news conference.

''It's over,'' Democratic Gov Brian Schweitzer, who campaigned for him, said later by telephone.

CBSNews.com and The Associated Press projected state Sen. Tester had unseated incumbent Burns, who was tainted by links to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and whose campaign was marred by several gaffes. The only US Senate seat still undecided was in Virginia.

A recount would be allowed if the margin of victory in the official state tally is 0.5 percent or less of votes cast. The projections of victory are based on preliminary counts.

Tester said he had not heard from Burns and did not know if the Republican would push for a recount.

REUTERS DH BST0044