Third-degree Burns

Election '06 | Democratic challenger Jon Tester is scorching Montana’s incumbent GOP senator—at the debate podium and on the street | Mark Bergin

BOZEMAN and BILLINGS, Mont. — For almost two decades, Republican Sen. Conrad Burns has held the ear of his constituents. But over the last several months, the folksy 71-year-old Montanan may have lost his grip—tossing a whirring chainsaw into the GOP's increasingly tenuous juggling act to maintain majorities in both House and Senate.

Burns raised his arms and waved them vigorously during a recent debate at Bozeman's Montana State University, attempting in vain to stem an outburst of giggles emanating from the standing-room-only crowd. The staunch supporter of President Bush might have expected such reaction to his remarks on the need for the Patriot Act. Attempts to paint the chilling realities of terrorism are met with rolling eyes and mirth-filled mockery on many campuses.