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Popular Vote Movement Makes Headway
http://www.wral.com/news/political/story/1138196/ ^

Posted on 01/16/2007 4:57:38 PM PST by LC HOGHEAD

BISMARCK, N.D. — A movement to essentially junk the Electoral College and award the presidency to the winner of the nationwide popular vote is making some headway in states large and small - including, somewhat improbably, North Dakota.

The National Popular Vote movement is aimed at preventing a repeat of 2000, when Democrat Al Gore lost despite getting more votes than George W. Bush.

Backers are asking states to change their laws to award their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote nationally.

A bill to do that was introduced last week in the North Dakota Legislature, even though it could reduce the political influence of small states like North Dakota.

"Its strength is, it is what the people want," said one of the sponsors, Rep. Duane DeKrey, Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. "It kind of takes out that system where the person who gets the most votes doesn't necessarily win."

(Excerpt) Read more at wral.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: electionpresident; electoralcollege
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To: gcruse

The downside exceeds the upside.


101 posted on 01/17/2007 10:16:09 PM PST by saganite (Billions and billions and billions-------and that's just the NASA budget!)
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To: saganite

I could be persuaded either way...


102 posted on 01/17/2007 10:24:56 PM PST by gcruse (http://garycruse.blogspot.com/)
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To: gcruse

Then lick your finger and stick it in the air.


103 posted on 01/17/2007 10:26:27 PM PST by saganite (Billions and billions and billions-------and that's just the NASA budget!)
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To: saganite

You seem conflicted, too. In post 96 you say the alternative to the EC is urban directed, liberal influence. Then in post 101 you say the "The downside [of the EC] exceeds the upside.."


104 posted on 01/17/2007 10:38:39 PM PST by gcruse (http://garycruse.blogspot.com/)
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To: gcruse

Then you really don't understand what I'm even talking about. Good day.


105 posted on 01/17/2007 10:40:18 PM PST by saganite (Billions and billions and billions-------and that's just the NASA budget!)
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To: saganite

Well, I guess not. Dopey me.


106 posted on 01/17/2007 10:45:44 PM PST by gcruse (http://garycruse.blogspot.com/)
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To: tfelice

"And thus the Republic dies"

Marx and Engels must be laughing in thier tombs......


107 posted on 01/17/2007 10:47:43 PM PST by tcrlaf (VOTE DEM! You'll Look GREAT In A Burqa!)
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To: keithtoo

"Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, etc would never get a visit."

The lib argument is that "Every Vote Counts", and they WOULD visit the smaller areas. It's BS, I know, but that's their argument...


108 posted on 01/17/2007 10:48:57 PM PST by tcrlaf (VOTE DEM! You'll Look GREAT In A Burqa!)
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To: gcruse

Sorry, I have to apologize here. The "EC" I realized equals the electoral college. I believe the electoral college remains the best solution to protecting the rights of all and not just the urban special interests. Hope this helps.


109 posted on 01/17/2007 10:54:00 PM PST by saganite (Billions and billions and billions-------and that's just the NASA budget!)
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To: kcvl
Lawrence Jacobs, Professor

You're sure that's not 'Lawrence Jacobs, Nancy-Boy?'

Heh.
110 posted on 01/18/2007 5:31:34 AM PST by mkjessup
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To: saganite
I wonder if they explain to the voters in the small states how much leverage the electoral college gives them. Kiss that goodbye if we go to a majority vote to decide the election. In fact, pretty much anyone living outside a major city can kiss any influence goodbye.

Perhaps losing their "electoral college leverage" would cause folks outside of NY and California to select their congressmen and senators more carefully in an effort to send real representatives to Washington...............

Of course, those elected who pander to the whims of their "party" rather than taking their job seriously and being a champion for their constituents might find themselves tossed out on their asses after one election cycle.....................

something to consider..............

111 posted on 01/18/2007 5:44:30 AM PST by WhiteGuy (GOP Congress - 16,000 earmarks costing US $50 billion in 2006 - PAUL2008)
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To: LC HOGHEAD
I am not worried about this. No way anyone today could get enough bipartisan to amend the Constitution -- even if it was a worthwhile change. Ain't happenin'!
112 posted on 01/18/2007 7:16:31 AM PST by Bigg Red (The Democrat Party stands for open treason in a time of war. -- spokeshave)
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To: mkjessup

You're welcome. I think someone else earlier in this thread said it best, "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what is for dinner."

As one of the Freepers obsessed with the train wreck that is Democratic Underground, I see that principle in action often.


113 posted on 01/18/2007 8:25:53 AM PST by WinOne4TheGipper (Consult your doctor before taking tagline. Do not take tagline with alcohol.)
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