One recently introduced bill would give Gianforte, a Republican elected in November, immediate power to directly appoint state district court judges and state Supreme Court judges. Under another piece of legislation, Gianforte would also be able to appoint deputy directors of state agencies upon vacancies. In the last week or so, board appointments made by outgoing-Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, have also been cleared from the confirmation process to make way for Gianforte’s nominees.