HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Chamber of Commerce endorses Broadwater County Attorney Cory Swanson for Chief Justice and Judge Dan Wilson for Associate Justice on the Montana Supreme Court.
A balanced judicial system is essential to a strong business climate. Finding information about candidates for these highly technical, non-partisan positions is often difficult. To this end, the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors decided to endorse candidates in the 2024 Supreme Court races.
A committee of legal experts, attorneys, and Montana business leaders interviewed all candidates who advanced from the June primary. The full Montana Chamber Board affirmed the interview committee’s endorsement recommendations.
“We are thankful to all Supreme Court candidates for taking the time to meet with our expert committee,” said Montana Chamber President & CEO Todd O’Hair. “Wilson and Swanson will bring grit and integrity to the Montana Supreme Court. Both candidates understand that stability in our court system and predictability in the way decisions are made are essential to the operations and success of Montana businesses.”
While all four candidates are well qualified for the positions they are seeking, the Montana Chamber identified a few key characteristics that guided the endorsement decision.
In the race for Chief Justice, the Chamber noted Cory Swanson’s breadth of experience in bringing diverse people together and leading toward a common goal, both in the legal arena and with his military experience. Swanson displays a humble judicial demeanor while emphasizing the importance of the courts. He also acknowledged the visible tension between the branches of government in Montana. He hopes to be able to ease this strain.
The Chamber is endorsing Judge Dan Wilson for Associate Justice. Wilson demonstrates a strong judicial work ethic, a meticulous approach to avoiding conflicts of interest, and is extremely thoughtful and analytical. Wilson shares the Chamber’s concern that the Montana Supreme Court appears too quick to abandon precedents, and he emphasizes the importance of stability and respect for precedent in making judicial rulings.
“It’s sometimes tough to find enough information on nonpartisan candidates to inform my vote. I appreciate the knowledge and expertise of the Montana Chamber of Commerce to endorse candidates that understand the importance of an independent judiciary and stability of our business climate,” says Tony Rosanova, President at Zoot Enterprises and Montana Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
Members of the Montana Chamber’s review committee conducted these individual interviews after the primary election in June. Candidates for each position were interviewed on the same day. Some committee members sat in only the Associate Justice or Chief Justice interviews to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The review committee met in full to finalize their endorsement; this recommendation was forwarded to the full Chamber Board for discussion and approval.
For more information on the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s decision to endorse candidates in these races, please read this editorial from President & CEO Todd O’Hair.
