05/03/2001 03:55 PM Senate STA

             HJR 23-MAINTAIN ELECTORAL COLLEGE SYSTEM                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE   COGHILL,   bill   sponsor,  said   the   resolution                                                            
encourages  Congress   to  retain  the  Electoral  College   without                                                            
modification as it is in  the constitution. There will be a national                                                            
debate on  the subject and  he thought it  wise to take a  stand. To                                                            
him, it  is an  issue of  the difference  between a  republic  and a                                                            
democracy.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
CHAIRMAN  THERRIAULT  commented that  although  the recent  national                                                            
election caused  some to charge the  Electoral College is  outdated,                                                            
he views it as a protection for states with smaller populations.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
He asked whether  anyone else wanted  to testify. There was  no one.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
CHAIRMAN  THERRIAULT  said  his  "eagle  eye staff"  pointed  out  a                                                            
missing word.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
He moved amendment 1. On  page 1, line 6 insert "in" after "provided                                                            
for" and before "the constitution". There was no objection.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
He asked for other amendments. There were none.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
He asked for the will of the committee.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR PHILLIPS moved  SCS CSHJR 23 (STA) from committee. There was                                                            
no objection.