Dear Editor: If CI-132 Passes, We Will All Be the Losers For It

Dear Editor,

CI-132 proponents assert that banning a judicial candidate from running as a Democrat or Republican helps voters better know their qualifications. That's absurd. That's like telling a man with extremely poor vision, "If you close one eye, you'll see better." Party alignment doesn't provide a perfect line of sight. But it's a key data point. Imperfect, but highly useful.

When it comes to voting for judges and justices, Montana voters do indeed suffer from very poor vision. It is almost impossible for the typical voter to ascertain the true judicial philosophy of candidates.

That's...