Measure to change recall elections fails committee

A state House committee has shot down a proposal giving voters the option to change recall elections in a way that could make it more difficult to vote an incumbent out of office.

The measure requires recall elections to involve a party-specific primary followed by a general election.

The move is an apparent reaction to the ouster of Republican Russell Pearce from the Senate after losing a recall election last November.

Recall elections currently consist of one general election open to candidates and voters of all parties.

The measure failed by a vote of 3-6 Thursday, with three Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.

Among other objections, some lawmakers voting against the bill felt it was unlikely voters would approve it.

A similar bill is moving through the Senate.