Judy Martz

Judy Martz ( born July 28, 1943 as Judy Morstein in Big Timber, Montana ) is an American politician ( Republican). She was from 2 January 2001 to January 3, 2005 Governor of the State of Montana.

Early years and athletic career

Judy Morstein attended until 1961 the Butte High School. During this time she was active in sports as a speed skater. She was in 1963 a member of the American team at the World Championships in Karuizawa and was the 1964 Olympic team at the Winter Games in Innsbruck. In the contest over 1500 meters it in 15th. After her marriage in 1965 she operated a garbage disposal company together with her husband. The couple has two children.

Political rise

From 1989 to 1995 she worked on the staff of U.S. Senator Conrad Burns. At the same time, she was director of the Chamber of Commerce Butte. Thus they became familiar with the economic conditions in Montana and the United States. In 1996 she was elected Vice- Governor of their state. Thus, she was Deputy Governor Marc Racicot. In the 2000 elections, Martz could with 51 % of the votes to prevail against her Democratic rival Mark O'Keefe, who received 47 % of votes. She was sworn in 2001 as the first female governor of Montana.

Governor of Montana

Judy Martz took her four -year term on 1 January 2001. One of their goals was the creation of skilled and well-paid jobs. They fought for a tax reform and promoted the education policy. Another objective was the economic development of Montana. For this purpose, a separate government commission was established in 2001. Task of this institution was to lure among other companies to Montana to invest there. During her tenure, there was a dark side, which led to a loss of popularity. Shane Hedges, one of their advisers, caused an accident under the influence of alcohol. It was Paul Sliter, a deputy in the House of Representatives from Montana killed. Ironically, in the house of the Governor Hedges has washed his clothes. He stepped back but then immediately and pleaded guilty. Governor Martz was also associated with a questionable real estate business. After an examination by a committee, but was cleared of suspicion.

In 2004 she made ​​in different states campaigning for the reelection of President George W. Bush. In the same year, she opted not to run again for governor.