On April 15, the Montana House Administration Committee heard testimony on SB 408, and passed it. This is the bill to ask the voters in 2014 if they want to establish a top-two primary. The bill passed 12-7, on a party line vote, with all Republicans voting “Yes” and all Democrats voting “No.” The state chair of the Republican Party testified in favor of the bill.
Former Republican Secretary of State Brad Johnson also testified for this bill. Johnson lost his one term because he couldn’t get the vote. A CP candidate had 10,000 plus votes. The Republicans feel confident since this bill will go before the general election. Another bill that was heard SB 405, ending same day voter registration is slated for the primary, since less voters vote in the primary. Republicans think they can pass SB 405, because of the primary turnout. Plus Montana Senator Max is up for re election in 2014, and we know that Democrats do a better job at getting out the vote. So why not eliminate the get out the vote. Even Republicans want more government to fix their problems.