| Montana Supreme Court Justice Mike Wheat filed his first campaign finance report yesterday, raising nearly $40,000 since he filed for election just over one month ago.
"The support and encouragement I've received this past month is very humbling," said Wheat. "It's gratifying that so many Montanans have stepped up and provided their support to help me retain a seat on the Court," he added.
Wheat, 62, was appointed by Governor Schweitzer to fill a vacancy on the court left by former justice John Warner, who retired at the end of last year. Wheat was one of 11 candidates for the appointment, and one of only three whose name was forwarded to the Governor by the Montana Judicial Nominating Commission. By law, Wheat must run to keep the seat in the very next election and again when the term expires in 2014. So far, no one has filed to challenge him.
"I've been blessed with a beautiful family and fulfilling career and I've always tried to give back to my country and community through public service," he said. "Serving the people of Montana on the high court is a responsibility I cherish and do not take lightly." Wheat emphasized that "our judicial system is vital to our constitutional democracy."
Wheat began his legal career as a criminal prosecutor before entering private practice. For 28 years he was a partner in the Bozeman firm of Cok, Wheat & Kinzler. Wheat is a former State Senator where he served as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and a Vietnam Marine Corps combat veteran. He and his wife, Debby, have four children with a son currently in high school. |
