GREAT FALLS — Judicial forums rarely promise excitement, yet the late September forum in Great Falls, hosted by the Montana Farmers Union, proved otherwise. The four nonpartisan candidates for the Montana Supreme Court revealed how gripping their races truly are. The forum showcased candidates competing for two open seats, with notable figures adding to the excitement. State district court judges Katherine Bidegaray and Dan Wilson are contesting for the associate justice position held by Justice Dirk Sandefur. Meanwhile, Cory Swanson and Jeremiah “Jerry” Lynch aim to replace outgoing Chief Justice Mike McGrath. Even though candidates can’t officially run with party labels, political groups have flooded the campaign with mailers and ads, a common practice in Montana’s judicial races. During the Great Falls event, candidates addressed the political atmosphere but emphasized their dedication to retaining judicial independence. “We can’t control who supports us, really, or what they do,” Bidegaray stated. “We