I had to do a double take when I read an Associated Press story that reported, “Montana Supreme Court justices should not have to publicly disclose their personal financial interests or those of their families because the high court already follows a strict code to avoid potential conflicts, the chief justice [Mike McGrath] said.”

His plan? The AP reported, “It’s the judge’s responsibility to disqualify himself or herself from presiding over a case in which he or she has a financial stake, McGrath said.”

Why does McGrath think this? He said it’s because Montana’s high court justices follow a strictly enforced Code of Judicial Conduct.

Seriously?

We’re supposed to take his word for it. It kind of reminds me of Reagan’s nine words, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

If Montanans actually believe every judge will be honest and forthright with their financial dealings, and “follow a strictly enforced Code of Judicial Conduct” then I have some ocean-front property to sell you near Geyser.

It was sunny and 85 degrees there last week, too.

As many readers know, I don’t have a very high opinion of judges in Montana. Besides many of the Montana’s state district court judges handing out free passes for drunk driving, or making stupid remarks about teenagers being raped, the Montana Supreme Court failed miserably in the Barry Beach case.

McGrath is nothing but a politician masquerading as a judge. Montana Supreme Court judges should not be elected in Montana; they should be appointed. By campaigning, it makes judicial candidates get down in the muck and roll around in the slop with other politicians – and accept money – and offer favors. It’s politics.

We need to know all we can about our judges. The Montana Legislature should make judges at every level disclose every part of their finances.

The judges are, after all, politicians.

## MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR ##