Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., will celebrate his 71st birthday next week in Washington, D.C., within the walls of Cassidy & Associates - one of the most powerful lobbying firms in the nation's capital.

Burns' birthday on Wednesday will provide the stage for a campaign fundraiser where costs to attend or host range from $500 to $2,000.

"Cassidy & Associates is a well-respected firm and we are appreciative of their allowing the campaign to use their conference room for this event," said Mark Baker, Burns' campaign chairman, in a statement released this week. "This fundraiser is no different than others the campaign has had in D.C."

Tom Bunnell, the senator's campaign manager, would not offer further comment to explain why Burns has agreed to step inside Washington's lobbying circle, a ring that has brought the three-term senator under national scrutiny for his association with former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Burns accepted nearly $150,000 in campaign donations from Abramoff, his clients and associates. The Montana senator, who also sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, also remains under fire for directing a $3 million school construction grant to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan, a former client of Abramoff.

Additionally, Abramoff's clients in the Northern Marianas Islands benefited from Burns' legislative actions. And an Associated Press review found that lobbyist Todd A. Boulanger attended one of the Northern Marianas meetings with Burns and his staff. Boulanger now works for Cassidy & Associates.

Abramoff pleaded guilty to three felony charges Jan. 3, including conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion. His crimes include bilking at least four tribal clients of $80 million.

As campaign money comes and goes, Burns' re-election team plans to continue "aggressive" fundraising in Montana and elsewhere, Baker said. Hence, the senator's birthday party at Cassidy & Associates lobbying firm.

"Senator Burns doesn't operate on the philosophy of guilt by association," Baker said.

(Reporter Jodi Rave can be reached at 406-523-5299 or at jodi.rave@;lee.net.)