Sunday, October 5, 2008

Chief Justice Rivals Clash Over Experience


Chief justice candidates Ron Waterman (left) and Mike McGrath debated in Missoula on Oct. 1. Photos by Jerek Wolcott

Candidate Bios: Mike McGrath, Ron Waterman

By ELIZABETH HARRISON
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism


Ron Waterman, a Helena attorney running for chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, has an identity problem. Although he is reasonably well known among Montana lawyers and in his home city, this is his first run for statewide office.

His opponent, two-term Attorney General Mike McGrath has been in the news and on yard signs since he first ran for Lewis and Clark county attorney in 1982.

CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike McGrath is a life-long politician who does not know how to be anything different. As such, it is impossible for him to be fair and impartial as a judge. The website www.fairnessnotpolitics.org provides excellent sources showing why Mike McGrath is a terrible choice for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. Any voter who wishes to make an informed choice needs to read this information.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I read that website posted above. I had no clue McGrath was so dirty. I was going to vote for him until I read all that info. That deposition was long to read, but really opened my eyes to who McGrath is. Thank you for posting that link. I will vote for Ron Waterman. A MUCH better choice for Chief Justice.

Anonymous said...

I am unclear why so few people seem to be familiar with the host of reasons why Ron Waterman is far more appropriate and desirable for our state as the Chief Justice. Mike McGrath has been a politician for so long, he has lost touch with the people; if he ever had it to begin with . I disapproved/disagreed with the verbage used wheb Mr. Waterman was described in this article as having "an identity problem." That term is not only a far cry from describing Mr. Waterman, I find it deceptive in a sneaky way. This reporter's article comes off as clearly biased for McGrath but also extremely ignorant and uninformed about who Ron Waterman is and what he's about. In my opinion and experience, Mr. Waterman is one of the most intrinsically, ethical and caring human beings I've been fortunate to know. It saddens and disheartens me that so few recognize how significant Mr. Waterman's choices to refuse certain funding, as just one demonstration as to the exciting and refreshing possibilities we would experience if he were Chief Justice for our Supreme Court. No political desires; simply a genuine, sincere desire to serve Montana. This reporter should have done a little homework. Sloppy, biased journalism in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I am very glad that you posted this story about Mike McGrath. We need to keep improving our way of life in Montana and Ron Waterman is the man to do it! He gots my vote! Thanks for the informative article!