(Frankfort, KY)  Secretary of State Trey Grayson praised members of the General Assembly today for the passage of House Bill 66, sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Higdon.  The bill passed unanimously from the Senate today after previously passing unanimously from the House of Representatives on March 1, 2007.  HB 66 extends the timeframe in which parties can nominate new candidates for vacancies in candidacy that may occur due to death, a permanent disabling condition, or disqualification. 

The Office of the Secretary of State worked with Rep. Higdon to develop language to address the uncomfortable situation that constituents faced when a candidate for office passed away and a new candidate needed to be nominated in his district.  It was an unfortunate situation that many communities faced during the 2006 election cycle.  Under current Kentucky law, parties only have five days to replace the nominee.  This forced many parties to hold nomination meetings around or directly on the day of the deceased candidates’ funerals.

"House Bill 66 is a good bill which will prevent communities across the state from suffering the death of a candidate as Marion and Pulaski Counties did this past year.  It also addressed the problems associated with naming a replacement candidate in five days.  Under this bill, counties will be allowed 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, which essentially give counties twelve to fifteen days to name a replacement.  My hope is that no other counties will have to experience a situation like this again." State Representative Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon)

“I appreciate Rep. Higdon shepherding this bill through the legislative process. Simply put, there is no reason for communities to endure the pain associated with the death of a candidate while replacing a candidate.” remarked Grayson.  “We think this bill will allow communities time to grieve while providing an ample window for parties to replace candidates on the ballot.  It is a fine piece of legislation, and we were glad to work with Rep. Higdon to develop it.”

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

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