State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) called for change in the way SC elects its Lieutenant Governor Wednesday.
/ WACH
COLUMBIA (WACH) - The governor and lieutenant governor could run on one ticket under a renewed proposal in the South Carolina Senate.
State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) called for change in the way SC elects its Lieutenant Governor Wednesday.
Under legislation that is pending in the state Senate, governors and lieutenant governors would run on a ticket.
“Recent events have demonstrated the critical need to modernize our government. The instability of government during the Sanford and Haley eras has highlighted the chaos that can be caused by bad leaders under our current system. Let’s put this legislation on the fast track and get it passed this year. The people deserve it," said Sen. Sheheen.
The changes would require constitutional amendments. The bill needs a two-thirds vote to clear the full Senate and get on the ballot in November 2012. The House overwhelmingly approved the measure last year.
If voters approve, the joint elections for governor and lieutenant governor would begin in 2014.
Similar bills to give the governor's office more power died throughout former Gov. Mark Sanford's tenure. Supporters say it's time to let voters decide.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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