Only two Democratic presidential candidates have carried Montana since 1948. Barack Obama is betting he can do it in November.
With just three electoral votes and its reputation as a red state, Montana rarely sees presidential candidates in the summer before a general election. Republicans usually take the state for granted, while Democrats don't even try to contest it.
But Obama has been spending a sizable amount of time and money on Montana, hiring a state director and staff while running TV ads detailing his background and qualifications. Montana is among fewer than 20 states the campaign is targeting early.
"Montana is considered one of the very competitive states," Obama spokesman Caleb Weaver said.
Obama's even spending the...