[Pete]

My understanding is that he is allowed to do that. Hey, in this case it would suck but that's how the Framers set it up. Right?

[Brilliant]

I don't know if that's true. Don't these guys take an oath to carry out the will of the people? And if they announce in advance that they might not honor that oath, then isn't there recourse?

Of course it depends on WV law...

[jsbankston]

Yes Pete, it is interesting that the same people who spoke about the genius of the Electoral College system when Bush won in 2000 while losing the popular vote will now go into hysterics if an Elector does not vote the same way as his state.

[Concerned]

PETE ASKED: "My understanding is that he is allowed to do that. Hey, in this case it would suck but that's how the Framers set it up. Right?"

As a 2004 Republican Presidential Elector, you must sign an affidavit stating that you will vote for the Republican Party Nominee---this year meaning Bush---when you place your Electoral College Vote.

On December 13, 2004, I will wholeheartedly support and place my one Electoral Vote for President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

[ambrose]

In 2000, one of Gore's electors abstained. That's why the final vote was 271 to 266 instead of 271 to 267.

If he does defect, the GOP only brought it upon itself in giving slots to people who lost badly in primary elections.

[ChinaThreat]

Yup. Youre exactly right. That is the way it works. It would be highly unorthodox for an electoral college member to go against the voice of his state. Back in the late 18th or early 19th century that would probably end up with him wearing tar and feathers if not a piece of hemp rope.