Use accurate information when voting on Supreme Court race

Every two years, we Montanans elect a judge to our Supreme Court. This is one of the most important votes we cast. It must be based on accurate information or we run the risk of electing the wrong person. As lawyers, who have represented Montanans for decades, allow us to share our thoughts.

First, why is our vote important? Something like 90 percent of the judicial decisions affecting our lives are made by our Montana Supreme Court. Everything from access to our lands and waters to the safety of our families and communities are largely in the hands of those we elect to the court. If, because of false or inadequate information, we elect the wrong person, we all suffer.

Second, why is it difficult to choose? Unfortunately, powerful outside special interests with secret donors are trying to buy our judicial elections — just like they do in congressional and presidential elections. They spend huge sums of money to spread false information about the best person so we will be tricked into electing someone they believe will favor their interests over ours.

Third, how can we not be tricked? We can ask judges and other persons who know the candidates and their records.

Most judges recommend that we elect Judge Dirk Sandefur. They tell us he has established a superb record over the past quarter century as a police officer, a prosecutor and for the past decade and a half, a judge. His record proves he will work for us.

From our observations, most Montana attorneys, too, recommend Judge Sandefur. Many of us have practiced before him. He is fair and reasonable to everyone.

The other candidate is Kristen Juras. We do not know much about her, but what we do know raises red flags.

For the most part, she has been a law school professor, a laudable profession, but one that does not transfer well to being a judge who will be making decisions about people and our constitutional rights.

Her known views are different than those of most Montanans. She favors restricting public access to our rivers and, therefore, would not be favored by Montanans who fish, float and otherwise enjoy our outdoors. She has been reprimanded by Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the law school dean for representing a large out-of-state corporation, which wanted to get out of paying millions of dollars in state taxes so we would have to pay them. See missoulian.com/news/local/schweitzer-says-university-of-montana-law-professor-s-tax-study/article_bb42e300-fed7-11e1-a71b-001a4bcf887a.html.

The biggest red flag, however, is that secret donors from outside Montana are trying to elect her. These “dark money” groups are obviously pushing their own interests — not ours. This was pointed out by 24 Montana judges who recently published a joint letter stating:

“Many Montana District Court Judges and Justices of the Supreme Court are deeply concerned by the dark money attacks on a present candidate for the Montana Supreme Court, and its potential impact on the integrity and independence of the Montana Judiciary.”

The judges talk about the malicious falsehoods Juras’ dark money supporters are spreading about Judge Sandefur. You can read the judges’ letter at http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/letter-attack-ads-and-judicial-candidates/pdf_b81d09a3-5f62-5894-abe9-d7553a03c592.html.

Likewise, prominent lawyers from across Montana have published a similar warning titled, “Montana ABOTA defends district court judge against unfair attacks by dark money group.” Again, the “dark money” groups are Ms. Juras’ secret supporters. See mtcowgirl.com/2016/10/10/guest-post-montana-abota-defends-district-court-judge-against-unfair-attacks-by-dark-money-group/.

The bottom line is Judge Sandefur has a documented, longstanding record of representing the interests of Montana. Ms. Juras, however, not so much and there are red flags raising serious concerns. Please vote for Judge Sandefur.

Erik B. Thueson, Helena

Jim Nelson, Montana Supreme Court justice, retired

Syd McKenna, Missoula

Jory Ruggiero, Bozeman

Ward Taleff, Great Falls

Michael Sherwood, Missoula

Mark Kovacich, Great Falls

Tim McKittrick, Great Falls

Jim Hunt, Helena

Dennis Conner, Great Falls

Keith Marr, Great Falls

Pat Fox, Helena

Monte Beck, Bozeman

Gary Zadick, Great Falls

John Heenan, Billings, Mt

Zander Blewett, Great Falls

Drew Blewett, Great Falls

Anders Blewett, Great Falls