HELENA -- A measure that would ban lawmakers from taking state jobs cleared the House, pushed by Republicans who have complained about appointments by Gov. Brian Schweitzer's administration.

It was endorsed along party lines, against the objections of Democrats who said it unfairly limits employment opportunities for citizen legislators. They argued Republicans are simply upset over jobs taken by two Senate Democrats.

House Minority Whip Art Noonan, D-Butte, was cut short when he said "you have to ever avoid legislating things when you are mad."

Bill sponsor Rep. John Sinrud, R-Bozeman, interjected and said he isn't mad over the appointments.

"We need to keep our house clean. If we don't, who will?" Sinrud said. "This bill is clearly very ethical in terms of making sure our house is clean."

The measure allows current state employees to run for the Legislature.

Sinrud says potential conflicts arise, though, when sitting legislators are given state jobs. Such appointments could be viewed as political payoff, he argued.

The administration gave jobs last year to Senate President Mike Cooney of Helena and former Republican -- now Democrat -- Sen. Sam Kitzenberg of Glasgow.

Noonan pointed out that some state jobs are as simple as driving a snow plow in the winter for the Department of Transportation, a job a citizen lawmakers should not be banned from taking.

"I think there are people that would see this as a punitive measure," Noonan said.

Rep. Kevin Furey, D-Missoula, said he is an Army reservist who may want to later join the Montana National Guard. He said the measure would bar him from doing so since the Guard primarily serves the state.

The measure, endorsed 51-49, faces a difficult road in the Senate controlled by Democrats who mostly oppose the plan.

Sinrud's bill is House Bill 351.