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Editorial: Burns should not run for re-election
Friday, December 16, 2005

"We aren't in a position to render a judgment about the legality of [Sen. Conrad] Burns' activities in office. He's not been charged with any crime and he has publicly denied any wrongdoing. We're not privy to details of the federal investigation. All we know is that, politically, he's damaged goods.

Legal or not, Burns' dealings with Abramoff don't look good. Burns himself recently told a Kalispell TV station, “This Abramoff guy is a bad guy. And he's indicted, and I hope he goes to jail and we never see him again. I wish he'd never been born.” Strong language, but not exactly soothing words about Burns' association with Abramoff and the revolving door that existed between the lobbyist's firm and the senator's own staff.

Burns should take a good, long, hard look at the political landscape and the rough campaign trail ahead. He should seek candid advice from the Montana GOP's brain trust. And, most of all, he should consider what's in the best interest of the Montanans he was elected to serve. If he does, he may reach the same conclusion we have: Montanans in general and the GOP in particular will be best served if he doesn't run for a fourth term and, instead, orchestrates a dignified passing of the baton."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Time to pass the baton, Sen. Burns (The Missoulian 12/16)

Relevant Links:
Sen. Conard Burns - http://burns.senate.gov
Montana Republican Party - http://www.mtgop.org
Montana Democratic Party - http://www.montanademocrats.org

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