ST. PAUL – A bill Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, authored to remove political party designation from legislators on the ballot remains in the mix for this session after receiving its first House hearing Thursday.
Knoblach's bill (H.F. 1282) was heard by the Minnesota House Government Operations and Election Policy Committee. No formal vote was conducted and the bill was laid over for future consideration. The Senate bill is being introduced by Sen. Roger Reinert, D-Duluth.
"After being gone for a decade and then returning, I see the Legislature more partisan than ever," Knoblach said. "This change would help break the gridlock and lead to a better Minnesota."
Knoblach said he authored the bill to diminish legislative partisanship, decrease the power of special interests, reduce campaign negativity and hopefully shrink campaign spending levels. Legislators were elected without political party designation for more than 60 years, until the mid-1970s. Nebraska continues using a nonpartisan legislative model.
"My bill would help us gain a less-divisive environment, much like county commissioners, city council members and school board members enjoy today," Knoblach said.
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