HELENA — U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg has ridden a wave of tea party-fueled conservative fervor and voter resentment of Democratic policies to a sixth term in Congress.
The state’s sole congressman was never in danger of losing to Democratic challenger Dennis McDonald. The incumbent spent the election cycle casting himself as an agent of change to the policies of Democrats in Washington, D.C.
Results show Rehberg leading McDonald 56 percent to 39 percent with 13 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night. Libertarian Mike Fellows had 5 percent.
McDonald, a rancher from Melville, struggled to raise enough money to give his attacks on Rehberg widespread attention.
McDonald argued Rehberg helped break the budget with deficit spending under the Bush administration, and he tried to keep the spotlight on Rehberg’s foibles.