Here are some “Wednesday Quick Hits” about Tuesday’s Montana gubernatorial debate, Libertarians being excluded, obtaining more free speech, and the newest federal courthouse dedication ceremony!

Enjoy The Western Word extra edition today!

Montana Governor Debate:

In case you missed it, the first debate for the open Governor’s seat in Montana was held last night (Tuesday) in Helena. Don’t despair, there are at least six more scheduled.

*I almost inserted a joke after the Middle School line, but it’s only Wednesday…

I followed the debate a little on Twitter (#MTPol & #MTGov) and nothing much exciting took place which means that people voting for Bullock still are and people voting for Hill still are.

It looked as though Republican Rick Hill wore a white shirt instead of a light blue one, so that was some excitement…

Libertarian Excluded:

It’s nice that Montana “allows” Libertarians on the ballot (Libertarians are one of three currently qualified political parties in Montana), so it was too bad that Libertarian candidate for Montana Governor, Ron Vandevender, was not allowed to participate in the first Montana gubernatorial debate.

It’s shameful that the Helena Independent Record did not allow Vandevender the opportunity to participate – and who cares what the other two candidates want.

Next time there’s a major news story breaking in Montana, maybe the Helena IR should be excluded from the press conference because they are not a major newspaper…

Montana Judicial Races & Money:

According to the Associated Press, “A federal appeals court has struck down Montana’s ban on partisan endorsements of judicial candidates, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision that has opened the door for more corporate spending in politics.”

Get ready for more “Free Speech” fun…

BTW, I’d like to run a campaign ad against a couple of current judges informing voters how many drunk drivers he/she let off with reduced sentences during their term…

New Federal Courthouse:

The Billings Gazette reported that, “More than 200 people, including ranking members of the federal judiciary and all of Montana’s federal judges, gathered Tuesday in Billings to dedicate the state’s newest federal courthouse on its signature rooftop garden patio.”

The cost of the new building: $80 million.

The Gazette also reported “Montana Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull, who helped oversee the project, served as master of ceremonies.”

There was no mention if Judge Cebull told any “jokes” during the ceremony…

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