Utah lawmakers criticize 17th Amendment
Updated: 3/08/2010 10:55 am | Published: 3/08/2010 10:54 am
By BROCK VERGAKIS
Associated Press Writer
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah lawmakers want more influence when it comes to choosing the state's U.S. senators.
The Utah Senate approved a bill Monday clarifying that political parties can create a process for seeking the opinion of state lawmakers when it comes to the performance of U.S. senators and candidates for the office.
Senate Bill 250 is sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson, a Draper Republican who contends the 17th Amendment was a mistake.
The amendment was ratified in 1913 and provides for the direct election of U.S. senators. Utah was the only state to vote against it. Previously, state legislatures elected U.S. senators.
The bill passed 20-8 and now advances to the House.
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