Rep. Mike Callton has been a hero on SB 661, and deserves our thanks.

As for Rep. Lyons and her amendment, we're reserving judgement until we see it. She's already voted in favor of SB 661, and she's on record supporting giving the Republican caucuses the authority to spend Republican money to defeat Republican candidates in primaries.

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Amendment In The Works To Keep Caucuses Out Of Primaries

The bill to increase campaign contribution limits and lift the ban on caucus committees playing in primary races made it to the House floor today. But waiting there may be an amendment that would keep the current primary ban in place.

Rep. Lisa Posthumus LYONS (R-Alto), the chair of the House Elections and Ethics Committee, confirmed this afternoon that she's working on an amendment to SB 0661 that maintains current law, which stops the four caucus committees from making contributions to candidates in primary races.

"Our caucus, upon discussion, really feels strongly that it's something that should at least be put up for a vote, and vote our conscience and let that vote go where it lies," Lyons said. "We know that this has been a major point of discussion at least on the inside of the beltway. We want to make sure that we've addressed that."

Whether or not the amendment will be successful remains to be seen, but there are many Republican members calling for it. Some of those Republicans include House members who may challenge sitting senators next year.

And with Democrats in opposition to SB 0661, Republicans will need all the votes they can get to move the bill through the chamber.

SB 0661, sponsored by Sen. Arlan MEEKHOF (R-West Olive), passed out of the House Elections and Ethics Committee on Tuesday morning.

In committee, the vote was 5-4. Democrats voted "no" along with Rep. Mike CALLTON (R-Nashville). The other five Republicans on the committee voted "yes."

Afterward, Callton said if Lyons' amendment goes into the bill he'll accept the legislation.

"I don't like idea of political parties getting involved in primaries," Callton explained.

SB 0661 was tentatively scheduled to be considered on second reading today. But that didn't happen -- although Meekhof did spend some time talking to members on the floor this afternoon. -- with Michael Callton.