In what has been described as a highly controversial move, Governor Doug Ducey appointed Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery to the Arizona Supreme Court. Montgomery has been shrouded in controversy and was seen as one of the least qualified candidates for the job.
Montgomery’s tenure at the Maricopa County Attorney Office has been shrouded in controversy. However, he has been a staunch defender of what is known as the “McCain machine” so reaction to his appointment on the Twittersphere was mixed and partisan:
Bill Montgomery is that candidate. Bill has dedicated his life to serving our state and our nation. 5/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) September 4, 2019
Congratulations to Bill Montgomery, the newest member of the Arizona Supreme Court! Bill brings a demonstrated commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Fantastic pick by Governor @dougducey! pic.twitter.com/2Z0mERKBvV
— AZ Republican Party (@AZGOP) September 4, 2019
Congratulations to my good friend, Bill Montgomery, on being selected by Gov. @dougducey to the AZ Supreme Court. I’ve known Bill since meeting him in Florence when he ran for AG in 2006. He has been nothing but a servant gentleman in the Army and as County Attorney. Great choice https://t.co/2YAiucFKvF
— T.J. Shope (@TJShopeforAZ) September 4, 2019
Let's be clear: Bill Montgomery would have never been considered for this seat if he weren't allowed to operate with unchecked power for nearly a decade as county attorney. pic.twitter.com/221kvlKB9L
— ACLU of Arizona (@ACLUaz) September 4, 2019
Incredible. Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey will elevate Bill Montgomery, one of America's most reactionary prosecutors, to the state Supreme Court. An absolute nightmare for equal justice in Arizona.https://t.co/znw4XIE4wu https://t.co/cXQt9hL1zu
— Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) September 4, 2019
How the hell does the same governor who appointed a liberty minded person like Clint Bolick to the AZ Supreme Court appoint a Super Statist like Bill Montgomery. Montgomery once debated Radley Balko arguing that the police are not militarized.
— Joe Mcauliffe (@AZLibertylvr) September 4, 2019
Montgomery received his law degree from Arizona State University’s College of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Order of the Coif. He served on the law journal as an associate articles editor. During that time he also served as a Truman R. Young Prosecution Fellow.