Great Falls Tribune endorses Beth Baker for the state's highest court

by: Jay Stevens

Sat Oct 30, 2010 at 10:38:33 AM MST

Baker...notes that "I've spent much of my career defending the judgments of district judges" as a lawyer for the state.

"The functions of the two courts are completely different," she said in an interview.

The trial courts are chaotic and lately somewhat overburdened, she said, while the Supreme Court is "where you go when a mistake is made or rights are violated."

Serving on the high court is a "more studious" occupation requiring diligence and independence, she said - an occupation for which she's well qualified.

We agree. Her listening ability and analytical nature are well suited for the Supreme Court.

Finally, there's another angle to idea of diversity on the high court that is at least worth mentioning: She'd be only the second woman on the present seven-member court.

Given Swandal's troubling efforts to identify his campaign with the Tea Party wing of the Republican party for a race that's supposed to be non-partisan - frankly, I don't think partisanship should have a place on the bench - the choice is clear.

Beth Baker should be your choice for the Montana Supreme Court in 2010.