Montana
#Montana#
##Justices##
- Chief Justice Mike McGrath – Elected 2008 (leans progressive)
- Justice W. William Leaphart – retiring 2010 (leans progressive);
- Justice James Nelson – Term expires 2012 (leans progressive)
- Justice James Rice – Term expires 2014 (leans conservative)
- Justice Patricia O’Brien Cotter – Re-elected in 2008, term expires 2016 (leans progressive)
- Justice Brian Morris – Term expires 2012 (leans progressive)
- Justice Mike Wheat – Appointed by Governor Schweitzer ; term expires 2010 (leans progressive)
##About the court##
Idaho’s court is becoming increasingly progressive, as Governor Schweitzer’s recent appointment of progressive Justice Mike Wheat to fill the seat of retired conservative Justice Warner makes the Idaho court swing progressive by a 6-1 margin.
In 2010, two of these currently progressive seats will need to be defended. An open seat election will determine retiring Governor Leaphart’s replacement and recently appointed Justice Wheat will face re-election.