Mont. AL: Republican Hill Snares Seat for Party

(AllPolitics, Nov. 6) -- Republican Rick Hill picked up Montana's only seat in the House for the GOP in a polarized, mud-dredging contest against Democrat Bill Yellowtail.

Hill, a businessman and former state party chairman, campaigned for conservative causes such as tax cuts and easing regulations on small business.

Yellowtail, a former state senator and former regional director for the Environmental Protection Agency, argued for a compassionate approach to budget balancing and welfare reform.

The past missteps of both candidates dominated headlines, including Hill's extramarital affair before his divorce in 1980, and Yellowtail's failure to pay child support and slapping of his then-wife during an argument 20 years ago.

Montana's at-large seat came open with the retirement of Democratic Rep. Pat Williams, in office for 18 years.

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