PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota Senate on Tuesday debated SB13.  The bill would revise the process for nominating candidates for the offices of lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.

Speaking in favor of the bill was President Pro Temp Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown.

Senator John Wiik of Big Stone City, who’s also the chair of the state’s Republican Party offered an amendment to put it back to its original intent of the bill.

Senator Jim Melhaff of Pierre who was the prime sponsor of the bill before the Senate State Affairs Committee added the offices of Attorney General & Secretary of State to the primary ballot spoke in favor of the amendment.

Senator Michael Rohl of Aberdeen spoke against the amendment & questions those who don’t have trust of the voters of the state.

The amendment was defeated on a 21-12 vote.  SB13 ended up passing the chamber on a 20-13 vote.  Senators Rohl & Bryan Breitling of Miller voted for the bill while Senator Al Novstrup of Aberdeen opposed the bill.  The bill now moves on to the South Dakota House of Representatives.