Asbestos victims win one, for now

Inter Lake editorial

Victories for Libby asbestos victims have been few and far between in their fight for compensation from W.R. Grace, the corporate giant that has poisoned well over a thousand residents with toxic asbestos dust from its Libby mine. Nearly nine years since the magnitude of the asbestos poisoning came to light, victims continue to be diagnosed with asbestos-related disease. Many have already died.

A bankruptcy judge's refusal last week to shield the state of Montana from asbestos lawsuits is a small win for victims. The state Supreme Court ruled some time ago that state inspectors had a duty to warn and protect Libby mine workers and residents.

The judge's most recent action seems to indicate that claimants may be nudging closer to one day getting some measure of compensation.

Grace remains under the protection of bankruptcy court, and is preparing to do battle in a criminal case filed against a half-dozen company executives accused of conspiring to conceal health risks posed by the mine. The company has spent $90 million so far preparing for the criminal case.

Is Grace stalling its day of reckoning? Probably. Many more victims likely will die waiting for compensation to pay medical bills. But we hope that once the civil and criminal litigation is finally settled, there will be justice for all.

From Havre to Butte, the mainstream of American presidential politics runs through Montana this week.

First former President Bill Clinton made a whirlwind tour of Montana on Tuesday, starting in Havre and proceeding to Great Falls, Helena and Butte on a campaign quest for his wife.

That was just the precursor to this weekend's extravaganza: Candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton attending campaign functions in Missoula and Butte on Saturday and Sunday.

The unusual campaign attention for Montana is due largely to the dwindling number of uncommitted Democratic delegates - and the fact that Montana has some of them.

These are heady days for Montana, which normally is a forgotten afterthought in the national primary-election picture. But we're glad to show some Montana hospitality to the presidential campaigners.

And, who knows - Montana's primary is still almost two months away so this may not be the last time top-tier candidates will come here.