PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) – A bill originally designed to select all statewide candidates for the major political parties via primary was amended only to allow the gubernatorial candidates to choose their running mate.

The House passed the amended measure, SB 40, by a 48 to 21 vote Thursday.

Unlike previous heated debates among Republicans who supported the change to a primary system and those who preferred the convention system, today’s discussion was muted and short.

The amendment’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Jessica Bahmuller (Bah-mule-uhr) from Alexandria.

The original bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Roger Chase of Huron, agreed with the change.

The bill returns to the Senate for its concurrence or rejection of the compromise.