Monday 11 February 2008The full Senate could vote soon on a resolution to amend the constitution to elect the lieutenant governor and secretary of state. Senate Speaker Pro Tem Rosalind Kurita’s proposed constitutional amendment cleared the judiciary committee by a 5-4 vote. The full legislature elects the secretary of state while the lieutenant governor is elected by the Senate. Kurita thinks they should run as a ticket with the governor. She says this would clear up questions of who succeeds the governor should he be unable to serve. Kurita thinks it would also create more opportunities for women and minorities to hold statewide office. The resolution must pass the House and Senate of two consecutive General Assemblies before being placed on the statewide ballot in a gubernatorial election year. The earliest voters will be able to have a say in the matter is 2014.
