Yesterday when I was trolling the web, I happened to read a Guest Column in the Missoulian written by Bob Brown and 17 cosigners (nine Republicans and nine Democrats).

It will probably being showing up in a Montana newspaper in your town, soon. You can read it HERE.

They are endorsing Beth Baker for the Montana Supreme Court. They wrote about the good old days when politics was less a “blood sport” and more “bipartisan” – kind of like a “remember when we were important” piece with some kind words thrown in about Baker.

The funny thing was that nobody commented about the column, nor did they post it on Facebook or Tweet it. Maybe nobody cares about the past bipartisanship these cosigners wrote about. Maybe people are just glad they no longer serve in the Legislature.

I’m not too excited about the Beth Baker candidacy – even before reading this column. After seeing who was listed on her “steering committee” and figuring out she was probably just another Helena insider, I am leaning toward Nels Swandal. Swandal has 15 years of judicial experience to draw on when he starts hearing cases on the Montana Supreme Court. Although it’s not a requirement, already being a judge should enable Swandal to hit the ground running. Plus, Swandal is a veteran. We can use more veterans serving in public office as they know better than most what service to one’s country really means.

As we get into October, The Western Word will be making some endorsements for some key races across the state and make a final endorsement for the Montana Supreme Court. Unlike the Unions, we’ll pick’em as we see’em and unlike the pansies at the Montana Chamber of Commerce, we’ll endorse one person for the Supreme Court.