About a dozen supporters cheered when Hailey attorney Douglas Werth announced Friday the formal kickoff of his campaign to unseat incumbent Judge Robert J. Elgee from the Blaine County 5th Judicial District judge position.
Werth chose the front steps of the Old Blaine County Courthouse in Hailey to make his announcement.
"I think that a contested judicial election is a good thing because it allows a discussion of the things we think are important," Werth said.
Citing his membership on the Blaine County Planning and Zoning Commission and his experience as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, he said "a judge has to be experienced and have a well-rounded background."
"It's important that a judge review and make decisions that are grounded in the principle of judicial restraint."
In an interview after his announcement, Werth declined to specify decisions by Elgee that he doesn't agree with, except to say in general terms that he differs from the judge "in the land-use area."
'I am going to be, No. 1, well prepared," Werth said. "I am going to treat all the parties fairly. I'm going to decide all cases using the law."
Werth said he will offer more specific information during the campaign on issues of disagreement with Elgee.
Werth's and Elgee's names will be on the ballot in the primary election on May 25. The election is nonpartisan and conducted throughout the eight counties of the judicial district.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com