I don't think money ought to be a consideration for the small amounts we're talking about as opposed to the sanctity of public election. But House Majority Leader Wes Belter says unless some mechanism is found to fill a vacancy, a legislative district would not be fairly represented during the session. This bill gives that representation until the next general election. The people of North Dakota told us that this is what they want done. We had the special election process before.
Supporters say special elections are costly.