HELENA – Gov. Brian Schweitzer is picking a Bozeman lawyer and former state senator to fill a vacancy on the Montana Supreme Court.
Schweitzer announced the selection of Mike Wheat on Wednesday. Current Supreme Court Justice John Warner is retiring at the end of the year.
Wheat’s appointment is effective for one year. He would have to run for statewide election on the 2010 ballot if he wants to continue serving on the court.
Schweitzer says that Wheat was the most ready to serve as justice among the candidates given to him.
Wheat was elected to the state Senate in 2002 and served a term before a crowded Democratic primary foiled his 2008 run at the attorney general’s office.