(AP) — Former Montana Sen. Conrad Burns, a former cattle auctioneer whose folksy demeanor and political acumen earned him three terms and the bitter disdain of his opponents, died Thursday. [...] he was ousted from office in 2006 under the specter of scandal after developing close ties to "super-lobbyist" Jack Abramoff, who was later jailed for conspiracy and fraud. The network eventually grew to serve 31 radio and TV stations across Montana and Wyoming, offering agricultural news to rural areas. Before his first term was completed, Burns took on incumbent U.S.