State House Of Representatives Votes To Repeal ‘Daschle Law’
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota House has approved a measure 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 full House voted 50-17 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.
House Majority Leader Brian Gosch says the 2002 law “wasn’t good policy.” Speaking about his proposal, Gosch said it wasn’t aimed at Republican U.S. Sen. John Thune.
Thune has been considered a potential 2016 presidential candidate.
Republican Rep. Mark Mickelson, a supporter, says voters are the best judge and the option should be available.