On February 7, the West Virginia House Government Organization Committee passed HB 2692. It says that an independent candidate, and the nominee of an unqualified party, must file a declaration of candidacy in January, on the same date that candidates running in the May primary must file.

It is surprising that the committee passed the bill, because in 2016, after the West Virginia Supreme Court construed West Virginia election law to require independent candidates to file a declaration of candidacy in January, a U.S. District Court ruled that the law was unconstitutional. Daly v Tennant, southern district, 3:16-8981. The plaintiffs in that case were a Socialist Equality Party nominee for the legislature, and Darrell Castle, the Constitution Party’s presidential nominee. Thanks to Jeff Becker for the news about HB 2692.

HR 51, the bill in Congress for statehood for the District of Columbia, has 195 co-sponsors as of February 8. It has gained 40 co-sponsors in the last thirty days.

By contrast, other election-related constitutional amendments are not gaining co-sponsors. HJR 7, to provide for a direct popular election of the president, only has four co-sponsors and has not gained any co-sponsors since January 11. HJR 26, to increase the terms of U.S. House members from two years to four years, still has no co-sponsors.

The District of Columbia is somewhat likely to move its presidential primary from June to April, although there is no bill yet to make that change. Councilman Jack Evans is seeking the support of the D.C. Democratic Party for the idea. The party will consider the idea in March. Thanks to Frontloading HQ for this news.