SB 544 - There shall be a presidential primary on the second Tuesday in March, 2000 and on the second Tuesday in March every four years thereafter.

The Secretary of State shall prepare a list of official candidates, who have paid a filing fee of $1,000 to their political parties and for whom a written request has been received by the Secretary of State.

A series of caucuses shall be held after the primary to choose delegates to the national convention. Delegates must commit themselves to a candidate or an uncommitted slate. Seventy-five percent of the delegates shall be chosen by caucus. Delegates in each Congressional district shall be chosen in proportion to the votes obtained by each candidate within each Congressional district.

Candidates who receive less than fifteen percent of the district's vote shall not be allotted delegates. Votes cast for candidates receiving less than fifteen percent of the total shall be allocated as uncommitted if such votes, in aggregate, plus votes for uncommitted are at least fifteen percent of the total votes cast.

At-large delegates shall be chosen by the state convention and shall be apportioned to each candidate according to the candidate's total statewide vote. Delegates must vote for their declared candidate through two ballots or until the candidate withdraws or obtains less than fifteen percent of the votes cast at the convention.

MARGARET J. TOALSON