Republicans’ effort to Change Nebraska’s unique Electoral Vote system ahead of the November Election. to benefit former President Donald Trump has been dashed.
Gov. Jim Pillen (R), a Major Proponent of making Nebraska a Winner-takes-All State, said on Tuesday that He has “no plans to call a special session on this issue prior to the 2024 election” because He couldn’t Secure the 33 Votes needed to avoid a Filibuster, should the Change be put before the Legislature.
Currently, the State Splits its Electoral College Votes, with Two going to the Statewide Popular Vote Winner and One to the Winner in each Congressional District. A Change would be a clear Boost for Trump, Depriving Vice President Kamala Harris of a potential Electoral Vote from the 2nd District, the Omaha-based Swing Seat that has tilted Blue recently.
President Biden Won the 2nd District by around 6 Points in 2020, after Trump narrowly Secured it with a 2-point Victory in 2016. “Given everything at stake for Nebraska and our country, we have left every inch on the field to get this done,” Pillen said in His Statement. “Unfortunately, we could not persuade 33 state senators.”
Pillen has said that He wouldn’t Call for a Special Session until He could guarantee enough Votes in Support of the Change to aWwinner-takes-All system.
On Monday, State Sen. Mike McDonnell (R-2nd District, Omaha) said He wouldn’t Support the Switch, dealing a Blow to Trump’s Allies’ effort. McDonnell earlier this year Switched from Democratic to Republican, and is expected to Run forMmayor of Omaha next year, meaning Supporting the Vote change could be a Political Liability.
McDonnell said in a Statement that He supports the Legislature passing a Constitutional Amendment during next year’s Session, so Voters can decide on the Change.
Trump was Not happy with McDonnell’s position, with calling Him a “Grandstander” and shouting out Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, whom McDonnell would be Challenging should He Run for the Position. Pillen also called McDonnell’s Stance “profoundly disappointing.”
Nebraska Republicans have been trying for months to Change how the State Allocates its Electoral Votes, but were Unable to do so before the Legislature’s Session ended earlier this year. Efforts ramped back-up in recent weeks, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Meeting with Pillen and State Lawmakers to Convince them to make the Change ahead of Election Day.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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