Judy Martz

Judith Helen Martz, born on July 28, 1943, in Big Timber, Montana, was an American politician and businesswoman who served as the 22nd governor of Montana from 2001 to 2005. A member of the Republican Party, she made history as the first woman to hold the office of governor in Montana. Prior to her governorship, Martz served as the 31st lieutenant governor of the state from 1997 to 2001, under Governor Marc Racicot. Her career spanned various roles, including that of a speed skater who represented the United States in the 1964 Winter Olympics.

Early life and career

Judy Martz was born Judith Helen Morstein to a family with roots in mining and ranching. Her father worked as a miner and rancher, while her mother held various jobs, including cook, liquor-store clerk, and motel maid. Martz graduated from Butte High School in 1961 and later attended Eastern Montana College, where she began to develop her interests in sports and public service.

In 1962, Martz gained recognition as Miss Rodeo Montana, which marked the beginning of her public persona. She also made her mark in athletics by competing on the U.S. women's speed skating team at the 1964 Winter Olympics, where she participated in the 1500-meter event. This achievement made her one of the first two women from Montana to compete in the Olympics, showcasing her commitment to sports and her state.

Martz married Harry Martz in 1965, and together they operated a garbage disposal service in Butte, Montana. Her entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond her business endeavors; she played a significant role in establishing the U.S. High Altitude Speed Skating Center in Butte, which aimed to promote the sport and support athletes.

In the political arena, Martz served as a field representative for Republican U.S. Senator Conrad Burns from 1989 to 1995. Her political career took a significant turn when she was appointed lieutenant governor of Montana in 1995 by Governor Marc Racicot, following the resignation of her predecessor, Denny Rehberg. Martz made history as the first female lieutenant governor in Montana, and in 1996, she was elected to the position, running alongside Racicot.

Governorship

Martz's journey to the governorship began with her participation in the 2000 Montana gubernatorial election. She secured the Republican primary nomination by defeating conservative activist Rob Natelson. In the general election, she faced Democratic candidate Mark O'Keefe and emerged victorious, despite being significantly outspent during the campaign. Her running mate for the election was Karl Ohs.

Martz took office as governor in January 2001, becoming the first woman to serve in this capacity in Montana. During her tenure, she was recognized for her efforts to transform a state budget deficit into a surplus while simultaneously reducing taxes and increasing funding for education. However, her administration faced various challenges and controversies that affected her popularity, which reportedly fell to a low of 20 percent at one point during her term.

In August 2001, the Montana Democratic Party filed an ethics complaint against Martz, alleging that she had violated state law by purchasing land from Atlantic Richfield Company (Arco) at a price significantly lower than what the company had paid for it two years earlier. Following a thorough investigation, the political practices commissioner cleared Martz of any wrongdoing in September 2002.

Another significant incident during her governorship involved her chief policy adviser, Shane Hedges, who was involved in a fatal automobile accident while driving under the influence. Hedges later resigned from his position and pleaded guilty to negligent homicide. This incident drew considerable media attention and scrutiny of Martz's administration.

Martz announced that she would not seek re-election in 2004, concluding her term in office while actively campaigning for President George W. Bush in various swing states. Her final months in office included navigating the transition to incoming Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer, which involved discussions about the future direction of state governance.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout her governorship, Martz focused on fiscal management and educational funding, aiming to balance the state budget while promoting economic growth. Her administration's efforts to reduce taxes and improve educational resources were notable aspects of her policy agenda. However, the controversies and challenges she faced during her term, including the ethics complaint and the incident involving her adviser, contributed to a complex legacy.

After leaving office in 2005, Martz continued to engage in public life and political discourse. She was appointed chair of Montanans for Judge Roberts, a group that supported Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, and participated in rallies advocating for his confirmation. Additionally, she served on various boards, including those of Maternal Life International, the University of Montana Western, and the Big Sky State Games. Martz also had ties to TASER International, a manufacturer of non-lethal electrical shock equipment.

In her later years, Martz became involved in Christian organizations, frequently addressing groups across the country and participating in prayer networks throughout Montana. Her personal life included her marriage to Harry Martz, with whom she had two children, Justin and Stacey Jo.

Martz's health took a serious turn when she was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer in 2014. She underwent treatment in Arizona but ultimately succumbed to the disease on October 30, 2017, in Butte, Montana, at the age of 74. Her life and career remain significant in the context of Montana's political history, particularly as she broke barriers for women in leadership roles within the state.