California Repubs working the fix?

[Johnnybags]

California has voted Democratic in the last four presidential elections. But the change — if it qualifies for one of two primary ballots next year and is approved by voters — would mean that a Republican would be positioned the following November to snatch 20 or more electoral votes in GOP-leaning districts.

That's a number equal to winning Ohio.

The so-called Presidential Election Reform Act is being pushed by Thomas Hiltachk, a lawyer in a Sacramento firm that represents the California Republican Party and has worked with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He did not return phone messages left Monday at his office.

A Schwarzenegger spokeswoman said the governor is not involved with the proposed initiative, and party officials said they have no connection to it.

Democratic consultant Chris Lehane called the plan "an effort to rig the system in order to fix the election."

"If this change is made, it will virtually guarantee that a Republican wins the White House in 2008," Lehane said in an e-mail.

Nineteen of the state's 53 congressional districts are represented by Republicans. President Bush carried 22 districts in 2004, while losing the statewide vote by double digits.

Only Maine and Nebraska allocate electoral votes by congressional district.

 

[Lois]

Thanks for this information, Johnny -- is there any link or article that explains this more thoroughly that I can send out to people?

Lois

 

[Johnnybags]

Here it is, they are scurrying!!!

Thanks for this information, Johnny -- is there any link or article that explains this more thoroughly that I can send out to people?

Lois

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070731/ap_on_el_pr/california_votes_3

 

[NCGOPer_for_Paul]

Great. However, North Carolina and Maryland (not as big a deal), will allocate their electors based upon the national popular vote, rather than the vote inside the state.

I've heard other explanations of NC's bill stating it only applies when a majority of states adopt a similar bill, but it does change the electors to each Congressional district.

I'm not sure.