HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, November 14, a public hearing will be held on Senate Bill 761, legislation which would amend the state’s constitution to allow gubernatorial candidates to select their running mate after the primary election.
The bill’s prime sponsor, Senator David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill) states that this process is not a new concept, as it mirrors the process to how presidential candidates already select their vice presidential running mates at the federal level.
Argall noted the importance of enacting this type of reform in Pennsylvania, citing the current relationship between Governor Wolf and Lieutenant Governor Stack. “Given the tumultuous relationship between our current governor and lieutenant governor, whereby they have both admitted going weeks at a time without communicating with one another, Pennsylvania’s citizens simply deserve better. The top two leaders of our executive branch need to work on a shared vision in order to best serve the needs of Pennsylvania’s residents,” said Argall.
The hearing will be held at the State Capitol in Harrisburg in Hearing Room #1 of the North Office Building from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The measure would not take effect until 2022 since Pennsylvania’s constitutional amendment process requires that the proposal be approved by the House and the Senate during the same legislative session in which it was introduced, followed by a re-approval of the House and Senate in the next legislative session in 2019 before it is placed on the ballot for the approval of Pennsylvania’s voters.
Several of Pennsylvania’s former lieutenant governors will be present to provide their input on the role of lieutenant governor and potential reforms that should be established.
Contact: Sakura Ung
717-787-2637