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Abramoff Scandal
Burns wishes Abramoff had 'never been born'


Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Montana) blasted Jack Abramoff in a television interview on Wednesday, saying he wished the disgraced lobbyist had "never been born."

"This Abramoff guy is a bad guy," Burns told KAJ television in Kalispel. "And he's indicted, and I hope he goes to jail and we never see him again. I wish he'd never been born, to be right honest with you. Because he's done a terrible, terrible thing to our Native American community."

Burns is starting to speak out because numerous press reports have linked him to Abramoff. Burns met with Abramoff's associates, accepted Abramoff contributions and took positions on tribal and other issues that were favorable to Abramoff's clients.

Burns is also speaking out because Montana Democrats have seized on the Abramoff story and are running ads linking the two Republicans. The Montana Republican Party is now defending Burns.

Burns has said he has not been contacted by the Department of Justice. But on November 28, he asked Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to investigate his ties to Abramoff and clear him of any wrongdoing [PDF: Letter].

Get the Story:
Burns blasts back at Abramoff (The Missoulian 12/9)
Burns Says He's Not Under Investigation (KAJ Televsion 12/8)

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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