Few people knew Burns had arrived until the senator seamlessly waded into the gathering of 85-some friends and supporters, cheerfully snacking and shaking hands with everyone who turned out to help Burns officially kickoff his 2006 statewide re-election tour.
The room was filled with Republican faithful carrying signs that read “Burns Delivers for Montana” and holding cameras to capture campaign moments.
After taking in the full measure of his much larger 2006 audience, Burns quipped: “Wonders what hard work can do.”
With a robust voice and a relaxed delivery, Burns launched into his re-election stump, at times rousing his audience to enthusiastic and loud cheering.
Reaching back into history, Burns reminded his audience of the courage, wit and compassion of America's early immigrants who came seeking freedom.
With no English speaking skills and little knowledge of their new home, the immigrants arrived “not so much for themselves but for the generations they knew would follow,” Burns said.
In keeping with that legacy, Burns said he works for the next generation through his support of the telecommunications industry and other technologies that are already at work improving the lives of every day Montanans.
Property ownership is the cornerstone of freedom he said, that right needs to be protected as ardently as national security, border security and economic security for every American.
It continues to take courage to defend the vision of America's forefathers, but Burns said he is up to the challenge of defending America's Constitution, fighting for life born and unborn, and protecting the pursuit of happiness.
In these endeavors, Burns rallied, “I ask you to stand by me.”
After his brief speech, Burns answered a few media questions before spending the bulk of his time talking with his constituents - and getting more cookies.
If by election time, voters don't know who he is and what he stands for, Burns said all people need to do is look at his voting record.
He's not a man with fickle tastes, he said.
“I can't change,” Burns said, adding he's been married to the same woman for over 40 years “and I got the same kids.”
Before decisions are made about America's immigration issues, the country needs to first support stronger border security, he said.
Burns said he is up for a challenging and competitive political race.
Because a senator can't be all things to all people, Burns said he's never had a runaway race, “and I don't expect a runaway.”
Missoula businesswoman Kathy Ogren served as emcee at the Sunday event. Rob Natelson, a University of Montana law professor, gave the invocation, and Dale Mahlum, a former state legislator, introduced Burns to the audience.
Missoula was the first stop on Burns' five-day 12-stop tour, which concludes on Thursday in Billings.
When the tour ends on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole will join Burns in the opening his campaign headquarters in Billings.
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