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Few States Change Rules Post-Blagojevich
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Lawmakers in at least 15 states considered stripping governors of their power to fill U.S. Senate vacancies after former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was accused of trying to sell President Barack Obama's seat.

Only Connecticut and Rhode Island have changed their rules for filling vacant U.S. Senate seats since the Blagojevich allegations surfaced in late 2008.

Representatives from Colorado to Florida introduced legislation over the past 18 months to require voters -- not governors -- pick the people who replace senators when an incumbent dies or leaves office midterm.

The proposed measures would require states to hold special elections to fill the vacancies, as 14 states -- including Connecticut and Rhode Island -- already do.

State lawmakers said partisan bickering killed many bills.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
06 15 10 by Newsroom
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