Debate sharpens over partisan labels, party money in Montana judicial elections

Senate Bill 42, carried by Senator Daniel Emerich, would convert most Montana judicial races to partisan primaries and elections, allow political parties to endorse candidates and permit party contributions to judicial campaigns.

The bill and proponents' case

Emerich told the Judiciary Committee the bill was requested by the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform and framed it as a voter-education measure: partisan labels and party involvement, he argued, would give voters more information in low-profile judicial races and curb the influence of wealthy outside groups by enabling voters to identify and support candidates whose values match theirs.

Lieutenant Governor Kristin Juris testified for herself and Governor Gianforte in full support, saying partisan involvement already occurs in practice and the bill would align law with that reality. She described a 2016…