DeLuca: We Must Reduce Number of Special Elections

State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Penn Hills, introduced legislation Tuesday which would put an end to the practice of public officeholders running for one office while holding another, or from running for two offices in the same election cycle.

DeLuca, whose district covers Plum and Verona, said his legislation would not prevent someone from seeking higher office, but would require the candidate to resign from one position in order to seek another if the terms of the positions would overlap.

"Although House Bill 2340 will not affect the current election cycle, I am concerned about the cost of special elections to fill vacancies that could be avoided," DeLuca said in a press release.

The proposal also would end the practice of candidates seeking two offices in the same election cycle. His proposal would cover elected positions at the local, county and state level, including those for congressional seats.

"The only races not covered by this legislation are those for president and vice president of the United States," DeLuca said.

DeLuca, Democratic chairman of the House Insurance Committee and 30-year veteran of the state House, said he saw the need for the legislation because in the last year there have been six special elections to fill vacancies created in the House.

"Each time a special election is held because a public official has been elected to another office, it can cost the commonwealth in excess of $175,000 for each vacancy," DeLuca said. "This is the people's money, and when it occurs this often over the course of the year, it adds up.

"These costs do not include the costs to local governments that occur when special elections are held at times not scheduled for the traditional primary and general elections."

The state representative said this could be a cost-saving measure that wouldn't impact more important programs.

"At a time when the governor is calling for drastic cuts in education, as well as programs for the poor, sick and the middle class, I believe we must be aware of and cut any needless expense," he said.

DeLuca noted that officeholders in Allegheny County and Philadelphia already must step down to run for another office.

"I believe this effort will help to reinstate a level of trust between voters and officeholders," he said.

What do you think about DeLuca's rationale? Do you agree? Disagree? Tell us in the comments!

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