Ninth Circuit Strikes Down Montana Ban on Party Endorsements in Judicial Elections

September 18th, 2012

On September 17, the Ninth Circuit struck down Montana’s ban on party endorsements of judicial candidates. Montana elects its judges in non-partisan elections. The decision is Sanders County Republican Central Committee v Bullock, 12-35543. The decision is written by U.S. District Court Jed Rakoff of New York, who is visiting the 9th circuit and participating in its work; he is a Clinton appointee. The other judges are Mary Schroeder, a Carter appointee; and Ronald Gould, a Clinton appointee.

Judge Schroeder dissented. Here is her dissent.

3 Responses to “Ninth Circuit Strikes Down Montana Ban on Party Endorsements in Judicial Elections”

  1. Montana Nonpartisan Judicial Elections System Struck Down By Appeals Court « Montana Votes Says:
    September 18th, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    [...] the ban on political endorsements should be lifted immediately. Rakoff and Judge Ronald Gould were appointed by President Bill Clinton, while Judge Mary Schroeder — the dissenting vote on the panel [...]

  2. Another Judicial Blow To Montana Politics | Political Ration Says:
    September 19th, 2012 at 1:25 am

    [...] the ban on political endorsements should be lifted immediately. Rakoff and Judge Ronald Gould were appointed by President Bill Clinton, while Judge Mary Schroeder — the dissenting vote on the panel [...]

  3. David Says:
    September 19th, 2012 at 11:46 am

    Most of these kinds of laws don’t really work since political parties all ready unofficial endorse candidates by other means.