28 September 2004

Group Wants Ballot Distribution Blocked

Matt Volz - AP

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Backers of an initiative to change the way U.S. Senate vacancies are filled in Alaska on Monday asked a judge to block printing and distribution of the Nov. 2 ballots, contending the state's summary of the measure is misleading.

The Trust the People Initiative Committee is seeking a temporary restraining order and an injunction.

Currently, the governor can appoint a replacement to a vacant Senate seat. The initiative would abolish appointments and require a special election be held in all cases except when the vacancy occurs within 60 days of a primary election.

The drive to get the measure on the ballot was started by three state Democratic lawmakers after Republican Frank Murkowski appointed his daughter Lisa to his Senate seat when he became governor in 2002.

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