a long, painful start to winter
Vodkapundit has the story: what could be 40 long, painful days between the general election and the electoral college vote. It’s not that farfetched; Real Clear Politics has the map (as of Sep. 8, 11 a.m.) nearly the same, with only Colorado and Nevada reversed. Both states’ polling is within a point right now.
Of course there really hasn’t been any state results released since McCain’s convention bounce. But if the bounce wears off, and things get neck and neck again, we could be seeing electors mattering for the first time since JQ Adams won in 1924. That race went into the House of Representatives, where each state gets one vote. And, it would be the post-election house; we don’t know where that will wind up.
The Democrats could have a 20-seat majority in the house, and yet trail in delegation votes; they’d have huge majorities in the California and New York delegations, but Alaska and Wyoming each have one house member, and they’ll vote GOP.
And, of course, presidential electors can vote for whom they like. They nearly always vote en bloc for the state’s winner, but they don’t have to. Some states have laws requiring electors to support the winning ticket, but those laws probably aren’t constitutionally valid. What’s more, Maine and Nebraska have laws allowing for a split vote of electors.
Can you imagine the horse trading that could go on?
I really hope this doesn’t happen. But if it did, it would make the 2000 battle look like a playground argument.
Hat tip: Glen Reynolds.
September 08 2008 04:25 pm | American Politics
September 10th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Hi, Crian!
A bit off topic, but now that you are no longer in Ireland, are you going to be changing your blog? Just wondering. I’m glad you arrived safely and are settled in.
If the Democrats want to win in November, I think you would agree it would be a great idea for them to stop attacking Sarah Palin. They’re sort of biting themselves in the backside with that tactic. Also, while they are attacking Sarah they are leaving McCain completely alone. I doubt this is very good strategy.