Ethics take center stage in Hamilton debate
2006-09-11
Source: Billings Gazette
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rss feedU.S. Senate hopeful Jon Tester opened a Sunday debate here with GOP incumbent Conrad Burns by going on the attack in front of a boisterous crowd, saying Burns has been changed by Washington, D.C., and has sold out to wealthy interests. Burns fought back by questioning Tester's ethics.
The two sparred for more than an hour in an auditorium filled to capacity by an estimated 800 people. Tester supporters at times laughed at Burns' statements, booed or shouted him down.
"I can tell you right now we have the best government that money can buy," Tester said, invoking the name of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. "Sen. Burns has changed. He is not the same guy he was in 1988. I don't believe he would have done it back then."
Recent polls have shown Burns, seeking a fourth term, and Democrat Tester in a statistical tie. Democrats have hammered Burns over alleged ties to a Washington, D.C., lobbying scandal.
Burns and Tester, who is president of the Montana Senate, locked horns on ethics issues after Tester accused Burns of selling out to big interests.
Responding to Tester attacks involving Abramoff, Burns said, "Jon, I have not been investigated."
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