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 did not return telephone calls from The Associated Press. Heitkamp's staff says in a statement that she is "focused on her work to fight for North Dakotans in the U.S. Senate."