On February 15, 2010, I commented about trying to run as an independent candidate here in Montana.  I wrote:

There are just too many hoops to jump through for a genuine “independent” candidate to run for office here in Montana, but don’t count on it changing in the near future.

Seems that the ACLU of Montana agrees that it is too difficult.  According to a story by the Associated Press:

The civil liberties group describes Montana’s ballot access laws as among the most stringent in the nation.  Independent candidates are required to file early, pay a steep filing fee and submit thousands of signatures to qualify to run for statewide office.

The ACLU has appealed a Federal Court ruling that upheld Montana’s rules for independent candidates.

Good for the ACLU.  It needs to be easier in Montana and across the nation to run for office.  The two major parties currently running the show have not done such a great job.