FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2006

Contact: Jessica Rhoades

 Montana Democratic Party

406-442-9520

McDonald Calls on GOP to Return Davison Cash

Helena-Montana Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald today called on Montana Republicans to return $25,000 in contributions from GOP heavyweight Pat Davison, who was accused Friday of securities fraud following an early-morning raid on his Billings offices.

Davison has been a long-time GOP fundraiser, who recently served as the Finance Chair for Sen. Conrad Burns' re-election campaign.  Following news of the raid, the Burns campaign moved quickly to distance themselves from Davison, claiming he had resigned from the post-but only a month ago.

"Securities fraud is no joke," said McDonald.  "Sen. Burns, Rep. Rehberg and Republicans across Montana should return this tainted cash to show Montanans they're trying to heal the wounds of the Burns-Abramoff scandal."

According to Montana State Auditor John Morrison, Davison is accused of persuading two families to invest $1.2 million into fake accounts he created.  According to the Associated Press, the state auditor's office alleged that Davison convinced two families to move their investments from UBS Paine Webber accounts and invest the money with him. Davison put the money into fake investments, including a fictional bond supposedly issued by the St. Labre Indian School Trust and a promissory note he personally guaranteed.

Davison and his wife have contributed:

• $9,400.00 to Sen. Conrad Burns

• $6,350.00 to Rep. Dennis Rehberg

• $3,750.00 to the Montana Republican Party and the Republican National Committee

• $5,510.00 to state Republican candidates, including $1500 to Racicot/Rehberg and $750 to Stephens/Rehberg

Dennis McDonald is a rancher from Melville who was elected to chair the Montana Democratic Party in July of 2005.

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