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The Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed Legislative Referendum 119 (LR-119). This referendum, which will be on the Primary Election ballot, will change elections for Montana Supreme Court justices from statewide elections to elections by district.

The Board made the decision following presentations from individuals who support and oppose the referendum.  After hearing both sides, and discussing the arguments, LR-119 received the Board's endorsement.

"LR-119 will change the way we elect members of our highest state court. We believe those changes will create more competition in Supreme Court elections, more recognition among the electorate of these judicial contests, and membership on the Court that brings together jurists from all around the state," said Webb Brown, President/ CEO of the Montana Chamber.

More than half of the judicial elections over the past few decades have been uncontested.  In addition, only one sitting justice was voted out when challenged during that time period, which means judicial incumbents have a better chance of winning compared to incumbents in elections for other statewide offices.

"Even in the limited circumstances when there is a choice between two candidates, polls often show high undecided levels among voters when asked about Supreme Court races," explained Brown.  "They don't have a lot of information about the candidates.  Localizing the races to districts will encourage candidates to run from their area and allow voters to make more informed choices about these important positions."

LR-119 is scheduled to be on the 2012 primary election ballot.  The Montana Chamber Board of Directors will have interviews and presentations on all of the other statewide races, initiatives and referenda at its June board meeting, prior to the General Election.