For the first time in over 70 years, political parties in Montana will not face jail time for endorsing or discussing judicial candidates.

A ruling in favor of the Sanders County Republicans was issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit court of appeals on Monday.

The chair of the Sanders County Republicans, Kathleen French says they were forced to bring a lawsuit because of inflexibility on the part of the state's Commissioner of Political practices.

French says the ruling supports the rights of free speech and free assembly and also stressed that the court victory was non-partisan and extends to members of all political parties.

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