Ethics Are Only Political

That is what I understand Senator Burns' spokesman to be saying about Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) poking into places that his earmarked appropriations transected with lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his clients.

• Sen. Conrad Burns: The report says that questions arose over $3 million in appropriations he earmarked for an Indian tribe in Michigan that was a client of lobbyist Abramoff. The senator received substantial campaign contributions from Abramoff and various clients.

"Sen. Burns did nothing wrong, and any accusation to the contrary is pure politics," said James Pendleton, his director of communications. He said Burns had earmarked the appropriation at the request of the Michigan congressional delegation.