Legislation advances to change Iowa's primary election rules
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Rules for deciding contested primary races could change in Iowa under legislation preliminary approved in the state Senate Thursday.
Under the proposal, which got subcommittee-level backing in the Democratic-controlled Senate, voters would decide certain contested races, rather than political party delegates. The bill states that if no candidate receives 35 percent of the primary vote in certain races, there would be a runoff election between the top two vote-getters.
Currently, when no candidate meets the primary threshold, party delegates pick a nominee.
Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls, who chairs the Senate state government committee, said he supported changing the system.
"I think it's time for us to have a conversation about whether the way we currently chose candidates in very close and competitive races could be done (differently) to ensure greater participation," Danielson said. He said he was open to suggestions about how to modify the current rules.
The legislation, which now moves to a Senate committee for review, would impact races for Congress, the Legislature and statewide office. It also establishes rules for run-off elections in county offices.
It is not clear how the bill would fare in the GOP-majority House. Rep. Guy Vander Linden, a Republican from Oskaloosa who chairs the House state government committee, said he'd review the bill if the Senate approved it.
"I don't feel strongly either way," Vander Linden said.
A spokesman for Gov. Terry Branstad said the governor would consider a proposal if it passes the Legislature, but "he believes the present system is working."
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, who felt the sting of Iowa's current system last year.
In 2014, Zaun received the most votes in a six-way Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District. But he didn't reach the threshold. Fifth-place finisher David Young won at the convention and was elected to Congress.