HELENA - When Montanans cast their ballots in 2012, it may be one of most state's most significant elections in at least a generation, a political scientist said.

Topping the state races is what's being billed as the nation's most competitive U.S. Senate race. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, vying for a second six-year term, faces a stiff challenge from U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., a congressman since 2001.

Races for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rehberg and the governor's seat being given up by term-limited Gov. Brian Schweitzer are attracting plenty of interest as well.

Fierce battles are expected across the state as Democrats try to narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate after a particularly contentious 2011 Legislature.

The attorney general's seat will be open, and Democratic incumbents will try to retain their jobs as auditor, superintendent of public instruction, secretary of state and Supreme Court clerk. Two Supreme Court seats are up for election, as are three Public Service Commission posts.

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Gone are the days when political campaigns began in the election year.