Montana: fees awarded in election contest
Missoulian.com reports: In a court order issued late Friday, District Judge Kim Christopher of Polson said former House candidate Rick Jore must pay $15,663 in legal fees to his opponent's lawyer but suggested the state pick up the tab for the contested election.
Jore lost his race for HD12 last November in an election decided by the Montana Supreme Court. The litigation was initiated by his opponent, Democrat Jeanne Windham, yet state law requires that losing candidates pay the legal fees of an opponent, even if the candidate took no part in the litigation.
At the end of her order awarding all fees that Helena lawyer Mike Meloy sought, Christopher urged the state of Montana to reimburse both candidates for their legal expenses in the litigation. -- Missoulian: Judge recommends state pay in HD12 lawsuit