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Democrats Criticize Measure To Repeal ‘Daschle Law’

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Democrats are fighting back against Republican efforts to change the state’s so-called “Daschle law” that bars a presidential candidate from seeking another office on the same South Dakota ballot.

The House State Affairs Committee on Friday voted 9-2 for a proposal that would strip away the prohibition.

The original Republican-backed measure that passed in 2002 faced criticism from Democrats for targeting then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, who was considered a possible Democratic presidential candidate in 2004.

State House Minority Leader Spencer Hawley says now that Republicans control all of South Dakota’s federal offices, they’re changing the rules to suit their improved position.

House Majority Leader Brian Gosch says the 2002 law is “bad policy.” Speaking about his proposal, Gosch said South Dakota shouldn’t hamstring its already limited political influence.