CI-98: remove judges for any reason

Where CI-98 came from: Howie Rich.

Montana front group: Montanans In Action "Citizens Right to Recall" committee.

What CI-98 does: A constitutional amendment that allows a handful of Montana voters to petition to remove ("recall") a judge for "any reason."

In other words: If someone doesn't like a state supreme court justice's decision requiring adequate state funding of Montana's public schools, for example, that person just needs a few thousand signatures from anywhere in the state to put removal of the justice on the statewide ballot.

Why CI-98 is bad: It cripples and politicizes our judicial system. CI-98 is all about intimidating and harassing judges. Instead of defending our constitution, judges will be forced to make decisions based on the political whims of a vocal minority.

The judicial system is a crucial part of the balance of powers created by our nation's founders. We can't afford to let outside interests control it.

Why we don't need CI-98: Montana laws already provide for recall of judges for physical or mental lack of fitness, incompetence, violation of the oath of office, misconduct, or conviction of a felony offense.

Read Billings Gazette editorial about CI-98