Hungry Horse News

Former Montana Sen. Conrad Burns died of natural causes last week. He was 81.

Burns, a Republican, unseated incumbent John Melcher in 1988 and was unseated himself by Democrat Jon Tester in 2006, after political opponents in a slew of political ads linked him to shady lobbyist Jack Abramhoff. While Burns gave back $150,000 in contributions from Abramhoff and his friends, the Senator was never investigated for any wrongdoing.

Burns was a gifted politician and was noted for getting federal funding for local projects. He secured $300,000 in the early 2000s to put a roof on the Old Main building at the Montana Veterans Home. He secured funding for a groundbreaking DNA study of grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and other conservation-minded funding over the years.

But he wasn’t a fan of the Endangered Species Act.

“The Endangered Species Act is a good idea gone wrong,” Burns said in 2003. “I don’t think anyone 30 years ago thought it would be used as a zoning tool and an impediment to development in Montana and other states. Its historical record in repopulating species is spotty at best, and I feel it needs to be revisited and retooled to get it back on track toward its goal of saving critters, not killing economies.”

Burns also secured millions in funding for Glacier Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road and other hikes to Park Service funding during his tenure.

“Conrad was a loving, dedicated husband and proud father of three whose greatest joy was his three grandchildren. Conrad fought not only for our family, but for families across Montana. He always emphasized the importance of farming and ranching in our state and was proud to serve as a champion for rural telecommunications and healthcare. We appreciate the outpouring of prayers and support from Montanans and folks across the country,” his family said in a prepared statement.

“Conrad passed away with his boots on, active and engaged until the very end,” said Montana Steve Daines.

Tester, his opponent, had good things to say about Burns.

“The very first time I met Conrad was at the Montana Agri-Trade Exposition in Billings.  I had listened to his broadcasts on the radio for years, but I’ll never forget hearing that powerful voice from across the room.  Sharla and I send our thoughts to the entire Burns family and people of Montana as we remember the life of a man who loved this state.  Conrad’s service to our nation as a Marine, County Commissioner, and United States Senator will be forever remembered in history,” Tester said.

“Conrad was a great Montanan. His example as a Marine and advocate for our agriculture community inspires me every day to serve our state with dedication. He spoke his mind, stood for his beliefs, and served the people who elected him. I’m proud to have called Conrad a true friend. Lola and I send our thoughts and prayers to Phyllis and all of Conrad’s family,” Congressman Ryan Zinke said.