Ex-Montana Sen. Conrad Burns dies; influenced energy policy

HELENA (AP) — Former Montana Sen. Conrad Burns, a former cattle auctioneer whose folksy demeanor and political acumen earned him three terms and the bitter disdain of his opponents, has died. He was 81

Montana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Essmann says Burns died Thursday afternoon of natural causes at his home in Billings.

Burns defeated two-term U.S. Sen. John Melcher in 1988 and rose to one of the most influential positions in Washington.

The Republican used his influence on the Appropriations Committee to set the course on energy development and public lands management across the rural West.