Will Conrad Burns Retire?

That's the big question out here in Montana these days, as new evidence shows Burns connections to the Abramoff lobbying scandal was deeper than thought before. And now U.S. News reports that "Republican advisers are urging leadership officials to call on those linked to [the scandal] to consider resigning long before the 2006 midterm elections." Burns already faces weak polling numbers out here - and that's before this scandal fully rips open.

What would happen if Burns retires? Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) would likely run for the Senate seat. He'd clearly be a tough candidate - but even he faces poor polling numbers these days, and he has been tied to some of the DeLay scandals, meaning the eventual Democratic nominee (Jon Tester or John Morrison) would have a good shot of defeating him. Meanwhile, the House seat would be open - and would be a clear pickup opportunity for Democrats. Stay tuned.

COMMENTS: Go to Sirota's Working Assets site to comment on this entry