Return judge to the bench

Dear Voters:

I am not a resident of Montana, but I feel so strongly in my convictions regarding Deborah “Kim” Christopher, that I am compelled to write this letter in support of Judge Christopher’s re-election to your District Court bench. It is my privilege and honor to support her re-election.

I am a North Carolina attorney in private practice, but almost 30 years ago, I was an Army officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (“JAG”). The son of a career U.S. Air Force Officer and a graduate of The Citadel, I first met Judge Christopher through a letter she sent me in her capacity as my sponsor at Fort Lewis, WA, my first duty station. After a somewhat lengthy initial telephone conversation, I not only developed a respect for Kim, the person and not “CPT Christopher,” but it began a friendship that endures to this day and I am not ashamed to say that I am a better person for it.

I have known Kim for almost 30 years and although we have not seen each other since I passed through Big Sky country on my way to a new assignment in January 1992, Judge Christopher remains the same reliable, “rock steady,” and devoted family woman that she was when I first met her. As a young prosecutor, Judge Christopher served as both my official and unofficial mentor during my transition into the courtroom. She is the consummate professional and a natural born leader. A straight shooter, Kim did not hesitate to praise my efforts or when appropriate, criticize them. I’ve followed Judge Christopher’s judicial career from afar, but she has not changed in that she always displays the highest levels of integrity, good character, and most importantly, good judgment - qualities that are not easily replaced by a “fresh face.”

Judge Christopher’s calm demeanor and practical approach to dealing with legal issues have served the citizens of the 20th Judicial District well and I urge you to return her to the bench – you will not regret your decision to do so.

Again, I wholeheartedly and without reservation, urge you to return Judge Christopher to the bench as your District Court Judge!

Joseph J. Vonnegut, Fayetteville, N.C.