This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Two of three proposed amendments to the Utah Constitution faltered Tuesday night, according to unofficial returns.

Amendment A fizzled. It would have removed a requirement that no more than two members of the Utah Tax Commission, which advises the state on tax law, come from the same political party. Proponents said members should be chosen based on qualifications; opponents countered the commission needs balance.

Voters in favor of Amendment B outnumbered those against by a significant margin. It would modify the term of the lieutenant governor, making it run concurrently with the governor. That has been the practice since 1984. Under current law, an appointed lieutenant governor, in rare circumstances, may not have to be on the ballot with the governor.

Amendment C also went down to defeat, according to partial returns. It would have allowed the lieutenant governor, auditor and treasurer to hire their own legal counsel. Currently, the governor has legal counsel, while the other offices rely on the attorney general's office. Supporters said conflicts could arise if the other offices have to rely on the attorney general. Opponents warned the change would let the offices create their own legal teams.

Christoper Smart