Investigation Into UM Space Center Will Involve Montana Senator Conrad Burns and Representative Denny Rehberg

March 18, 2006

The investigation into a former University of Montana vice president’s involvement with a non-profit organization that received $3 million in NASA grants is on track to finish by early June, Montana's legislative auditor said Thursday. The investigation is in the preliminary stages and will require combing the financial records for not only the university and the INSA, but could also delve into the employment records of two of Montana’s biggest politicians: Sen. Conrad Burns and Rep. Denny Rehberg.

Monday’s unexpected resignation the Board of Regents Chairman John Mercer won't affect the progress of the investigation, said Scott Seacat, the state's legislative auditor. Seacat said Commissioner of Higher Education Shelia Sterns will keep the investigation going. “The commissioner isn’t going to let this leave her sights,” Seacat said.

By Dylan Tucker

Full Story: http://www.newwest.net/index.php/main/article/7012/

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