HELENA -- Montana has become the latest in a growing number of states to promote public financing of judicial election campaigns.

In a key vote earlier today the state's Senate passed Senate Bill 202 by a 30-20 margin that would allow for optional public funding for Supreme Court candidates. The bill is sponsored by Democratic Senator Jesse Laslovich.

The bill would allow candidates for Chief Justice who opt for public financing to collect up to $60,000 for a contested primary race and $150,000 for the general election. Associate Supreme Court judge candidates could receive $50,000 and $125,000.

Two other states are also attempting to push similar bills through their legislature.

Illinois Senate Bill 222, currently before the state's upper chamber, would provide $750,000 in public financing for Supreme Court election candidates who chose it. Candidates for Appeals Court could receive $250,000.

Washington state's legislature is currently debating a bill proposed by Governor Christine Gregoire to also allow public financing for all state judicial races. Supreme Court candidates could receive up to $680,000 while those for Appeals Court could get $54,000.

The Montana bill has drawn opposition. Republican state Senator Jerry O'Neil, for example, says the bill will give some lawyers free advertising at taxpayers' expense.

"If they win, they are elected to the Supreme Court. If they lose the election, they will have a well-advertised law practice," O'Neil said.