In the future, any special U.S. Senate races would happen during a general election cycle and not in a separate off-cycle election like the one currently underway, according to proposed legislation. Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, has pre-filed for next year’s session a bill to allow the governor to appoint an interim senator until the next general election, which happen every two years. Cost is a driving concern, Clouse said today. The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates that the primary, runoff and general election this year to replace Jeff Sessions will each cost about $3.5 million.
“We’re looking at about $10 million from the general fund,” Clouse said about the state’s limited budget. It doesn’t have millions to spare.
“And if it did, there are plenty of places for it to go that are needy,” he said.
Full Article: Bill would align special U.S. Senate races with general elections | State Capital | timesdaily.com.