HELENA -- U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns has hired Tom Bunnell, a Republican political operative who has worked nationally and in states, to run his 2006 re-election campaign.

Burns announced Bunnell's hiring this week, calling him "an experienced nuts and bolts campaign manager and tactical operative with over 14 years of campaign experience.''

Burns also named some veteran Montanan political figures to serve as volunteer leaders of his re-election committee. Meagher County Commissioner Jamie Doggett will serve as state campaign co-chairwoman, joining Chairman Mark Baker, a Helena lawyer and former Burns staffer.

Pat Davison, a Billings businessman who lost a Republican primary bid for governor in 2004, will be the campaign's Montana finance chairman. John Etchart, a Helena consultant and former member of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, will be state finance co-chairman.

Bunnell, 38, had been state director for the Republican National Committee and helped the GOP record a 12-seat gain in the Virginia House of Delegates. As political director of the Republican Governors Association, he led its effort to help elect Republican Judy Martz in Montana in 2000. In addition, Bunnell worked previously as political director for Oliver North's U.S. Senate campaign in Virginia in 1994.

A California native raised in Connecticut, Bunnell received a bachelor's degree in political science from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1991.

"Tom is our guy,'' Burns said. "He has hit the ground running, he is making the decisions needed to launch our statewide effort and he is going to take us all the way through November.''

Bunnell said he decided to accept the post because of Burns' Senate leadership and the importance of the seat.

"The story about the great things Senator Burns has done for Montana has been told, but we need to reiterate it and remind voters what a tremendous resource Senator Burns is for the state.'' Bunnell said.

He criticized the Montana Democratic Party's attacks on Burns linking him with indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Recent polls have shown Burns' support eroding. A poll this week found Burns in a dead heat with two leading Democratic candidates, state Senate President Jon Tester and state Auditor John Morrison.

Bunnell predicted Montana voters will "see through the mudslinging to the excellent job that Conrad has done for three terms now.''