big sky democrats

For several years now, thoughtful conservationists, sportsmen and women, and others have been trying in earnest to set aside Montana’s famed Rocky Mountain Front from gas and oil development. They’ve had Montana’s senior senator in their corner from the beginning, but it’s the other, Republican, senator that now has people scratching their heads.

On Tuesday, Burns slipped a provision into the Interior Department spending bill that could, conceivably, protect the Front from future exploits. (Although it does nothing to protect it from permits that already exist on fed land on the Front). more

It was an about face that falls in stark contrast to previous statements Burns has made, most notably his opposition to Baucus’ bill to protect the Front that came up last year as part of the energy bill debate. It was Burns who put the brakes on that effort. Now, as if to ride in on a white horse and save the day, Burns is trying to revive it. The move is so transparent it’s enough to make you sick. As Burns himself is fond of saying, it must be an even-numbered year. Wouldn’t it be nice if he represented Montana all the time?