Montana Senator Conrad Burns (R) has recently tried to shore up wilting poll numbers wrought by bad publicity about alleged connections to indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Shortly after the January Rasmussen Reports poll showed his re-election prospects declining, Senator Burns returned to Montana to address the Abramoff issue. He also introduced a bill seeking to address lobbying reform. The bill was the subject of a January 26 press release issued by his office.

However, the incumbent continues to sag when matched up with either of two possible Democratic opponents.

When likely Montana voters are asked about a match-up between Burns and State Auditor John Morrison, we find Morrison leading by seven percentage points, 50% to 43%. That's a reversal since January, when Burns was leading Morrison—though only narrowly, 46% to 43%, a toss-up.

The senator is still neck and neck with State Senate President John Tester, 46% to 46%. In January, they were tied at 45%.

Back in September, Burns had enjoyed a double-digit lead against each challenger.

Senator Burns is viewed favorably by 48% of Likely Voters, a seven-point decline since January (55%). Fifty percent (50%) now view him unfavorably, up from 43%.

Forty-two percent (42%) view Tester favorably, 49% view Morrison favorably. About a fifth of all survey respondents are unsure what to think of each Democrat.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of all Montana voters trust President Bush more than congressional Democrats when it comes to the war in Iraq, versus 40% who trust the Democrats more.

The President's edge when it comes to trust about economic policy is narrower: 47% put more trust in President Bush, 45% in the Democrats.

President Bush declared in his State of the Union Address that Americans are "addicted" to oil and that it is urgent we develop alternative energy sources. Seventy-five percent (75%) say it is "very important" to do so. Only 7% say it is not important.

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