BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A Republican lawmaker from Minot says he will introduce a bill that would prohibit the governor from appointing a successor to a vacant North Dakota congressional seat.
Rep. Roscoe Streyle says it's a "pre-emptive strike'' should freshman North Dakota U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp consider a run for governor next year and win.
Streyle says he'll introduce the measure when the session begins next week. It would require a special election to be held 60 days after a seat is vacated.
Streyle says the goal is to allow voters to choose the successor instead of the governor.
Heitkamp's staff says in a statement that she is "focused on her work to fight for North Dakotans in the U.S. Senate.''