Candidates stress contrasts in House race

 BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- Republican Steve Daines and Democrat Kim Gillan are
highlighting their differences over guns and health care heading into the second
debate in Montana's U.S. House race.
   Daines launched a new ad criticizing Gillan for being opposed to gun owner's
rights and backing President Barack Obama's health care law. Gillan's campaign
responded Tuesday that Daines was diverting attention from his allegiance to a
Republican budget that drastically alters Medicare and cuts college aid.
   The exchange highlights a rise in rhetoric from both sides with just five weeks
until Election Day. Montana's sole House seat is up for grabs after incumbent
 Rep. Denny Rehberg decided to run for U.S. Senate.
   Libertarian Dave Kaiser was not invited to Tuesday's debate at Montana State
University-Billings after polling below 5 percent in a voter survey.
   AP-WF-10-02-12 2008GMT