In another deveopment showing Democratic strength in the Mountain West, Montana's Democrats have just picked up the state House, ensuring control of both legislative houses and the governorship. The AP's John MacDonald reports:

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a decision that determined a disputed legislative race was tied, likely giving Democrats control of the state House of Representatives.

The 6-1 decision threw out a lower court ruling from earlier this month that seven contested ballots had properly been counted for Constitution Party candidate Rick Jore.

The high court declared "one or more" contested ballots in the tied race invalid. Throwing out even one of those ballots means the vote tally swings to Democrat Jeanne Windham, the Supreme Court said.

That, in turn, creates a 50-50 tie between Republicans and Democrats in the House and means the next House speaker likely will be from the party of Democratic Gov.-elect Brian Schweitzer. The party that controls the governor's office in Montana breaks ties in electing House speakers.

The legislative race was declared a tie after a recount earlier this month.

The Democrats can win in "Red states" as evidenced by trends in Montana, Colorado, and around the country. It's important, however, to spread the lessons learned in these states around the country to ensure the party can retake control of Congress and eventually the White House.