Members of the House State Affairs Committee passed a measure allowing a person to run for two offices at once. House Bill 1176 authorizes South Dakotans to be on the general election ballot for president or vice president and another office at the same time. Proponents say the measure is good for the state because South Dakota has limited Congressional representatives, and it allows leaders to keep their position of influence. The measure repeals a change to the law made in 2002. Representative Spencer Hawley voted against the House Bill 1176, voicing frustration with the timing of the measure.
“I find it now that there’s been this epiphany on how bad of a bill that was, now that the roles have changed on leadership for the state and our Congressmen,” Hawley says. “I can’t say I necessarily disagree with the bill, but I guess when you’re in the role of the majority, you pick the rule at the time that fits what you want to have happen, for your situation. And I think this is just an extreme example of what you have going on in South Dakota when you have a one party politics system.”
Proponents say House Bill 1176 is better public policy and isn’t a partisan issue. The measure passed through committee with a vote of nine to two.