What did he do wrong?

Editor,

When the Montana Supreme Court finally issued a written opinion on the contested election in HD 12 on March 18, 2005, (over two and a half months into the 2005 legislative session), I was astounded to see that the decision included an order that I pay the legal fees for Big Spring/Windham/the Democrats.

On April 15, I received a copy of a "Request For Hearing" in the District Court in Lake County from Meloy/Trieweiler law firm in Helena, along with a notice of "attorney fees requested" amounting to $15,663.56. I was later notified that the hearing is scheduled for June 9 to finalize the order of the Supremes.

I am confused. I filed for office in compliance with the law, campaigned for that office within the context of all applicable laws, received an equal number of votes as the Democrat candidate when counted by lawfully elected and appointed county officials, politely accepted all decisions of the recount board, was appointed to fill the seat by the Governor in accordance with the law, was sued … and am now ordered to pay legal fees for those who filed the suit.

What law did I break? What crime did I commit? What contract did I violate?

I wonder if Ms Windham and Ms Big Spring would please explain exactly what I did wrong?

Rick Jore

Ronan