The Montana Democratic Party is running a television ad that questions Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Montana) for his ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Burns added $3 million to an appropriations bill to benefit a wealthy tribal client of Abramoff's, the ad states. Burns also accepted $136,500 from Abramoff, his tribal clients and his partner Michael Scanlon -- the most of any lawmaker in the Senate or House.

"Is Conrad Burns looking out for Montana? In Washington, he takes $136,000 from notorious lobbyist Jack Abramoff, now under federal investigation. Then Burns fights for and passes legislation to give Abramoff's client, a wealthy Michigan Indian tribe, $3 million. The Billings Gazette says Burns' legislation 'doesn't pass the smell test.' Call Conrad Burns. Tell him to start working for Montana. The Montana Democratic Party is responsible for the content of this ad."

The National Republican Senatorial Committee said in response that the ad was misleading and called for its removal. Burns has said he added the money to the bill at the request of Michigan's congressional delegation, not Jack Abramoff's.

Get the Story:
Dems' TV ad links Burns to lobbyist (The Billings Gazette 8/9)
Democrats run first ad attacking Burns (AP 8/9)
Montana Senator Under Fire (Capitol Hill Blue 8/9)

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