Bill to alter selection of lt. gov. passes Pa. Senate

HARRISBURG (AP) — Pennsylvania may soon let gubernatorial candidates choose who will serve under them as lieutenant governor.

The Senate voted 46-2 Monday for a constitutional amendment that would end the current practice, in which the governor and lieutenant governor run separately for their party’s nominations.

The proposal would still need to pass the House this session and both chambers next session before going to voters for final approval.

The bill would let each candidate for governor pick their running mate no later than 90 days before the November election.

Lieutenant governor candidates would have to be approved by the parties.

The prime sponsor, Republican Sen. David Argall of Schuylkill County, says the goal is to avoid situations where the two officeholders act more like rivals than teammates.