News Release

Governor-Elect Judy Martz
State Capitol, Helena, Montana 59620

For immediate release: December 27, 2000
Contact: Anastasia Burton, (406) 444-5523

Inauguration Set for January 2, 2001

(HELENA)---Montana's newly elected officials will take their inaugural oath of office at a 10:00 am ceremony on January 2 in the rotunda of the state capitol. Justice Jim Nelson will swear in Chief Justice Karla Gray, who will then administer the oath for the following officials:

• Public Service Commissioner Matt Brainard
  
• Public Service Commissioner Jay Stovall
  
• Supreme Court Clerk Ed Smith
  
• State Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch
  
• State Auditor John Morrison
• Attorney General Mike McGrath
  
• Secretary of State Bob Brown
  
• Associate Justice Patricia Cotter
  
• Lieutenant Governor Karl Ohs
  
• Governor Judy Martz

This inauguration ceremony marks the first time in Montana's history that the state will have a female governor as well as a female chief justice. Governor Marc Racicot and Governor Judy Martz are scheduled to give remarks. Joe Morstein of Dillon, brother of Governor Martz, will give the invocation.

Later that evening, a reception for the newly elected officials will be held at 6:30 pm in the Governor's Reception Room at the capitol. The public is encouraged to attend and meet and welcome Montana's new officials.