Post by Poor Richard on Apr 6, 2023 9:31:06 GMT -7
Republicans seek to change Montana primary
Yahoo News reports "Republican state lawmakers in Montana are advancing legislation that would alter next year’s U.S. Senate primary."
"The measure would allow the top two candidates in the primary, no matter their party, to win slots on the 2024 general election ballot. It’s now before House lawmakers after passing in the Senate by a 27-23 vote on Tuesday.
Seven Republicans joined all of the chamber’s Democrats in voting against the measure."
"By allowing only two candidates to advance, it could keep third parties off the general election ballot. Past races for Tester’s seat were close enough that the absence of third party candidates hypothetically could have tipped the balance in favor of Republicans.
“I think the only reason you need to be scared of it is if you don’t think your guy can win,” said Republican Sen. Carl Glimm.
The primary format for other offices, including election to the U.S. House, would not be changed.
If the bill passes, it would only affect the 2024 U.S. Senate race. The sponsor, Republican Sen. Greg Hertz, said that would give the 2025 legislature the opportunity to “review the results of this election. How did it work? How did our voters like it?” and whether the top-two primary should be expanded to other races."
"The measure would allow the top two candidates in the primary, no matter their party, to win slots on the 2024 general election ballot. It’s now before House lawmakers after passing in the Senate by a 27-23 vote on Tuesday.
Seven Republicans joined all of the chamber’s Democrats in voting against the measure."
"By allowing only two candidates to advance, it could keep third parties off the general election ballot. Past races for Tester’s seat were close enough that the absence of third party candidates hypothetically could have tipped the balance in favor of Republicans.
“I think the only reason you need to be scared of it is if you don’t think your guy can win,” said Republican Sen. Carl Glimm.
The primary format for other offices, including election to the U.S. House, would not be changed.
If the bill passes, it would only affect the 2024 U.S. Senate race. The sponsor, Republican Sen. Greg Hertz, said that would give the 2025 legislature the opportunity to “review the results of this election. How did it work? How did our voters like it?” and whether the top-two primary should be expanded to other races."