Whose interests does Burns have at heart?

Editor,

For anyone considering voting to re-elect Senator Conrad Burns, please check out whether or not Senator Burns has the best interests of Montana folks as his top priority. My research shows that Sen. Burns, during his term, repeatedly sold out, and took huge campaign contributions from such as lobbyist Jack Abramoff

Senator Burns took more money from Abramoff and his clients than any other member of Congress — nearly $150,000, according to Federal Election Commission records.

What do you suppose Burns had to do in exchange for the $150,000? My guess is that Burns acquiesced to the dictates of Abramoff and his clients, rather than show the courage to stand up and vote for legislation that would improve the lives of everyday Montanans.

In 2004, Burns slipped a last minute earmark into an appropriations bill.

Some suspect that Burns secured this money for out-of-state interests under the influence of the near $150,000 in campaign contributions from Jack Abramoff. (NPR, 3-27-2006)

Four Republicans have entered the race to upset Conrad Burns, an indication that Burns may not be electable in November, amid concerns that Burns and his staff may have overstepped their bounds while in office. (Daily Interlake, 3-22-06; Associated Press, 3-22-06; Great Falls Tribune, 3-24-06).

In addition to the probe into Abramoff's criminal acts, the Dept. of Justice examined Conrad Burns' personal financial disclosures. They also investigated the finances of two people close to Senator Burns, his former chief of staff, Will Brooke, who quit Burns' office to work for Jack Abramoff, and onetime statewide director, Shawn Vassell. The investigation appears to be connected to the probe into Abramoff's activities on Capitol Hill (Billings Gazette, 3-14-2006).

Conrad Burns had his chance, and he showed his true colors. Please don't give him another term to undermine the betterment of the State of Montana.

Claire Adrienne

Polson