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Press Release | download here as Adobe PDF file
May 5, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contacts for Media: Phone: (406) 461-0662
www.waterman4justice.com
WATERMAN CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT POLITICAL COMMITTEES TO STAY OUT OF MONTANA CHIEF JUSTICE RACE
Montana Supreme Court chief justice candidate Ron Waterman Tuesday called on special interest groups that may be planning independent expenditure campaigns to stay out of Montana’s chief justice race. Independent expenditure campaigns typically consist of television and radio ads paid for by special interest groups to attack, defend or counterattack candidates for public office.
Waterman has emphasized the importance of keeping politics out of the court system. “Montanans expect their judges to rule on the basis of law, not personal preference. Independent campaign committees try to push voters to choose judges based on political views. Nothing could be worse for our courts.”
Waterman quoted former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who recently wrote “What worries me is the manner in which politically motivated interest groups are attempting to interfere with justice.”
Waterman said that he agrees with O’Connor’s concern.
“The Montana judicial system must remain independent and free of political interference,” Waterman said. “Turning a judicial campaign into one that looks more like a full-fledged political battle between special interest groups would be a disservice to all Montana voters.”
“While we respect the First Amendment right of free speech, Montanans have recently watched in shock as other states have seen judicial races that are little more than partisan battles. This erodes both judicial independence and respect for our courts,” he said.
Waterman again quoted Justice O’Connor: “The judiciary is currently experiencing unprecedented pressure from interest groups to make decisions that are based on politics.” Calling the trend toward politicized courts “a tragic mistake,” Waterman said that “Montana needs judges who are competent and who will fairly and impartially apply the law. My opponent and I should present our qualifications and experience to the voters without the interference of special interest independent expenditure campaigns.”
Montana’s election of its Chief Justice should not become a full fledged political battle, fueled by increasing amounts of money spent by candidates and special interest groups to attack, defend and counterattack. Money tends to be polarizing and funding from outside special interest groups can quickly convert a judicial race into a quasi-political fight which interferes with the sound administration of justice.
“Last month, I rejected Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions. Courts must remain free of political influence and decide cases on the law and the facts.” Waterman called on his opponent to join him in rejecting PAC influence and in urging special interest groups to let Montanans decide for themselves which candidate will best lead a court system that is free of partisan politics.
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