FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2008

YELLOWSTONE COUNTY ATTORNEY PAXINOS ENDORSES TIM FOX FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Paxinos and Fox outline priorities on "Castle Doctrine" legislation

(Billings) - Tim Fox's superior experience and his strong support for Montana law enforcement make him the best candidate for Attorney General, according to Yellowstone County Attorney Dennis Paxinos.  Fox joined Paxinos for a press conference today outside the Yellowstone County Courthouse in Billings.

"Tim Fox is qualified because of his criminal trial experience, his work in state government as a Special Assistant Attorney General, and his significant administrative experience from his time as an administrator in state agencies," Paxinos said.  "Tim Fox has the right stuff for this important office."

"I have the most legal experience in this race, both in terms of the types of law I've been involved with and the length of service," Fox said.  "But being a good lawyer isn't enough.  The Department of Justice is one of the largest agencies in state government, and it requires a capable administrator-someone who has experience forming policy, budgeting, and making tough decisions."

The Attorney General manages the Department of Justice, which has over 750 employees and a biennial budget of nearly $140 million.  Fox is the only candidate with significant administrative experience, stemming from his time as an administrator in a state agency.

At the press conference Paxinos and Fox discussed plans to lead an effort to pass Castle Doctrine legislation that would clearly define Montana's right to self defense in a life-threatening situation.  Montana is one of twenty-three states that does not currently have a Castle Doctrine law on the books.

"Last session there were difficulties because the Attorney General stayed neutral on gun legislation," Paxinos said.  "I believe we need someone who will speak out to protect families, homes, and law enforcement."

The Castle Doctrine allows a person to meet force with force to protect himself/herself and family members and specifies that a "duty to retreat"
would no longer exist in any place a person may lawfully be.  A person justified in the use of force would be protected from criminal and civil liability.  Paxinos noted the Montana County Attorneys' Association supports Castle Doctrine model legislation developed by the NRA.

"When the lives of your family are threatened, you shouldn't have to hesitate to consider whether or not you're going to end up in a legal hassle yourself," said Fox.  "These are situations where milliseconds matter and even a spark of doubt can have life-threatening impacts-we need to change Montana's self-defense laws to clearly delineate a person's constitutional right to defend his or her own home, person, and property."

 "This legislation recognizes that a person's home is their castle, and recognizes that a person has the right to defend that home, its occupants, and the property therein," added Paxinos.

Fox and Paxinos agreed to work together to facilitate a coalition building effort prior to the next legislative session to build support for Castle Doctrine legislation.  They're planning on reaching out to gun-rights advocates, law enforcement, and citizens groups to gain input and consensus.

"With a strong Attorney General in the lead this good-sense concept will receive broad support next session.  I believe Tim Fox is the candidate who can facilitate a coalition of law enforcement, citizens and gun rights advocates," said Paxinos.

"Montanans believe strongly in their 2nd Amendment Rights," Fox said.  "This legislation solidifies one aspect of those rights and makes Montana a safer place at the same time."

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