Judicial Committee submits names to Governor Bullock

The Judicial Nomination Commission has submitted three names to the Governor for consideration for appointment to the upcoming vacant judicial seat in the 5th Judicial District (Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Madison Counties).

The candidates are Lori Ann Harshbarger, Luke Michael Berger, and Jed Clayton Fitch.

The Commission’s action follows the close of a 30-day public comment period. Before recommending the nominees to the Governor, Commission members interviewed the applicants. The Governor must fill the position within 30 days of receipt of the nominees from the Commission. The person appointed by the Governor is subject to Senate confirmation during the 2017 legislative session.

The position also is subject to election in 2018. The successful candidate will serve for a six-year term.

Judicial Nomination Commission members are District Judge Richard Simonton of Glendive; Janice Bishop of Missoula, Karl Englund of Missoula, Elizabeth Halverson of Billings; Hal Harper of Helena; Lane Larson of Billings; and Nancy Zadick of Great Falls.