The battle is on between Democrats and Republicans, and it's playing itself out in the front yards of Billings' residents. Shawn Wetzel is a democrat. And if you couldn't tell, you could take a look at his front yard, which is covered in campaign signs. "The democrats have always been pretty solid in my estimation," Wetzel said.

His collection of signs started with a sign he made for his mother, Linda Wetzel, who is running for House District 53. "(I made it with) my own sweat, my own hard work," he said as a car drove by and honked. "See they like the signs. They're supporting the democrats," Wetzel said with a chuckle. He said all the drive by traffic on 19th Street West makes his home a great spot for free advertising.

"I represent on a heavily trafficked street," he said. His neighbors are also representing, but they're cheering for a different team.

"Those guys wear a different jersey over there," Wetzel said. "We are republicans," said Tina Tousley, Wetzel's neighbor. "We're running for the republican party."

Meggin Stewart with the Yellowstone County Republican Headquarters said the competition to beat the neighbors is almost as heated as the competition between candidates.

"A lot of people are rolling through the door simply because neighbors had Obama signs up and they wanted to beat them at their own game," she said. Stewart said campaign signs play an important roll in many statewide races.

"These races are huge name ID races," she said. "Signs tend to be a huge help in getting the name out across the state or the county or the city." Stewart said the sign races can be heated with some neighbors taking signs from the opposition, but the Tousley's and Wetzel's said their competition is all in good fun.

"There's no ill will," Tousley said. "Whoever wins, wins. It's fun to have the competition during the run."

Officials with the Montana Department of Transportation remind residents to beware of restrictions when posting campaign signs. To check the rules contact the MDT at (406) 444-6068.