Fox News Flash top headlines for October 10
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
North Dakota voters in November will decide whether to impose term limits on the governor and state lawmakers.
It’s a change supporters say would bring in new blood and term-limit foes decry as a blow to institutional knowledge of the Legislature.
Measure 1 would add a new article to the state constitution, effective Jan. 1, 2023, imposing term limits of eight cumulative years each in the House and Senate. The governor could not be elected more than twice. Term limits would not be retroactive -- meaning the service of current officeholders would not count against them.
TRIAL SET FOR NATIVE AMERICANS ARGUING ND’S NEW LEGISLATIVE MAP DILUTES TRIBAL VOTING STRENGTH
The measure’s language also would bar the Legislature from proposing amendments to alter or repeal the term limits; only citizens would be able to do so. The measure does not affect Congress.
Measure Chairman Jared Hendrix says he’s found a general sense that people don’t feel well represented at local and congressional levels.
"I think people inherently know that you’re not going to get reform with the same people stuck in positions for decades," Hendrix told the Bismarck Tribune.
North Dakota may join 15 other states who have term limits placed on state lawmakers if an amendment to the state's constitution is passed by voters this November.
Many Democratic and Republican lawmakers have spoken out against the measure.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said lawmakers have a lot to learn when in Bismarck, she said.
"If you think you can learn it in eight years, which would be four sessions, you’re mistaken," she said. "I think to understand all of the different workings of all the agencies and then the in-depths of appropriations takes a long time to get knowledgeable about it, and when you don’t do that, someone else will take over and run North Dakota rather than the legislators will, I’m afraid."
ND WOMAN CONVICTED IN DEATH OF HER HUSBAND, PROSECUTORS SAY WAS RESULT OF LOVE TRIANGLE
The measure was roiled in fraud allegations that reached the state Supreme Court last summer.
The court mandated a public vote on the measure, despite Secretary of State Al Jaeger initially rejecting it, citing irregularities such as noncitizens circulating petitions and pay-per-signature bonuses, which state law prohibits.
A Tribune analysis counted 66 of 141 lawmakers who have served more than eight years; 28 have served 20 years or more.
ND ADDICTION COUNSELOR LAUNCHES GROUP TO OPPOSE MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IN THE STATE
Notably, about 30 lawmakers won’t be back next year, several of them high profile due to retirements, re-election losses and redistricting.
Gov. Doug Burgum won his second term in 2020 and supports term limits.
"We fully support term limits and have for years," Burgum said in a statement. "While most statewide offices aren’t included in the measure, it’s a good first step and we support it and encourage North Dakotans to give it their full consideration."
REPUBLICANS SOUND ALARM OVER CHINESE GOVERNMENT-LINKED FARMLAND PURCHASE NEAR NORTH DAKOTA AIR BASE
Fifteen states have term limits for lawmakers; 36 states have gubernatorial term limits.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
