Democrats Pick Gillan in Montana Congressional Primary

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — State Sen. Kim Gillan of Billings has won a crowded Democratic congressional primary and will face Bozeman businessman Steve Daines in Montana's general election.

Early Wednesday Gillan led state Rep. Franke Wilmer of Bozeman 31-19 percent.

Whitefish businesswoman Diane Smith had 16 percent. Missoula City Councilman Dave Strohmaier had 14 percent. Three others split the rest.

Daines trounced unknowns Eric Brosten and Vincent Melkus in Tuesday's Republican primary. Daines held 71 percent of the vote.

Daines is an executive at RightNow Technologies. He hopes to succeed Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

Republicans have held Montana's lone congressional seat since 1997.