AG candidates Fox and Bullock addressed MTA
Pub Date: 10/1/2008
By Paul F. Vang
No race is more important to the Montana Tavern Association and its members than the Attorney General race, said Mark Staples, MTA s government affairs counsel. He was introducing Tim Fox and Steve Bullock, candidates for the office of Attorney General for the State of Montana, to the 2008 MTA convention in Great Falls Sept. 10.
Incumbent Atty. Gen. Mike McGrath is term-limited and now a candidate for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Tim Fox, age 51, is the Republican candidate and a lawyer in private practice in Helena. He opened by saying, I ve traveled 68,000 miles since getting into this race and I ve learned why it s called the hospitality industry. I ve stopped at many of your places across the state while on the campaign.
Fox talked about his background in business law and as an attorney for state agencies. During 20 years in legal practice, he said, I ve worked as a regulator as well as in private practice. I ve been on both sides of the table. He pointed out his significant experience as a trial lawyer, plus having served as head of a state agency.
Fox noted the upcoming retirement of Gambling Control Division head Gene Huntington and lauded his accomplishments, saying, They re the kind of people I want to recruit to the AG s office that kind of people who are fair and even-handed.
On issues affecting MTA members, Fox said I oppose any raise in taxation on gambling, or significant increase in liquor licenses. I m in favor of stable laws so businesses can have stable business assets.
Fox concluded his presentation with, My only promise is that I ll do my very best for the people of Montana.
Steve Bullock, the Democratic candidate for Attorney General, also a lawyer in private practice in Helena, followed Fox to the podium.
Bullock spoke of the Attorney General s office, saying, What this office is and does is to be the state s top law firm, and the Attorney General has to be both a lawyer and a manager.
Bullock noted his varied legal experience in government service, including a term as Montana s Deputy Attorney General, plus a varied private practice, ranging from working in a 400-member Washington, D.C., law firm, and then returning to his hometown of Helena, to open his own individual law practice.
While in Washington, Bullock also served as an Adjunct Professor at the George Washington University School of Law.
I ve started my own business in Helena, plus I ve represented small businesses, business organizations, unions, and small organizations, Bullock said in summing up his law practice, adding, I ve had great opportunities in both private practice and in the public sector.
As an assistant Attorney General, Bullock said he managed criminal appeals and the office legislative program. He notes he also initiated the state s DNA registry.
Bullock summed up his qualifications by saying, I run a business and manage people in my law practice. I can t pass legislation, though I can promote or oppose potential legislation. I think the biggest question is, What kind of lawyer and manager are you?
Bullock thanked the MTA for inviting him and Fox to speak to the convention. We owe voters a chance to size us up and make their decision. Montana is a word-of-mouth state and what people say about us makes a big difference.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, October, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.