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House approves bill to allow political parties to contribute to judicial campaigns after heated debate
Summary
On second reading the Montana House approved House Bill 39, which would repeal a statute barring political parties from contributing directly to judicial candidates. Supporters said repeal would increase transparency; opponents said it risks judicial impartiality. The measure passed second reading 57-43.
Representative Brian Millett brought House Bill 39 to the floor on second reading, proposing repeal of the statutory ban that currently prevents political parties from contributing to judicial candidates.
The bill would repeal the provision that reads, in the sponsor's words, that “a political party may not contribute to a judicial candidate.” Millett said repealing the statute would allow political parties "to financially support judicial candidates directly, out in the open, transparently, and with accountability." He told colleagues…
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