October 31, 2003
Friday - 1:00 am

Based on a decision by Superior Court Judge Mark Rindner, Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman on Thursday certified for distribution an initiative petition entitled: "An Act relating to filling a vacancy in the Office of United States Senator." If adopted, the initiative to require a special election to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate would appear on the November 2004 ballot.

"As we have done with this and other initiatives, the Division of Elections and I will expedite our work to accommodate the sponsors of initiatives, within the requirements of the law," said Leman.

The initiative was originally denied certification based on a recommendation by the Department of Law. The Attorney General determined that the initiative conflicts with the Seventeenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants sole authority to change election law to the State Legislature.

"While I still concur with the Attorney General's recommendation, the Court has spoken and I will follow its direction. I am pleased that this has been resolved quickly, and I will do my part to assist the initiative petitioners."

Source of News Release:

Office of the Lt. Governor
Web Site

 

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