Burns not target, staffer tells public
2006-09-20
Source: Billings Gazette
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rss feedErik Iverson, manager for Republican Sen. Conrad Burns' tough re-election campaign, said late Tuesday the senator is not the target of a federal corruption investigation centered on disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Iverson said Burns' personal criminal defense attorney, Ralph Caccia, spoke with Justice Department employees Tuesday afternoon. The employees said Burns is not the target of the investigation.
Iverson was responding to statements made by Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Jim Farrell to television reporters regarding Burns' involvement in the scandal. "The comments made yesterday by Jim Farrell are patently false and without merit," Iverson said.
Iverson said Caccia himself would not speak to reporters. He also said he didn't know if any former Burns staff members may be part of the investigation. Farrell said the campaign should make Caccia available for questions. He also released a long list of news articles that have reported that Burns is part of the investigation.
"We need to hear directly from Senator Burns' criminal defense attorney himself, who must positively confirm to the media and to the people of Montana that he spoke with representatives of the U.S. Depart-ment Justice on this matter," Farrell said.
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