{"id":2344965,"date":"2024-09-23T16:52:01","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T20:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/key-nebraska-senator-rejects-trump-push-for-electoral-shake-up-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-09-23T16:53:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-23T20:53:28","slug":"key-nebraska-senator-rejects-trump-push-for-electoral-shake-up-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/key-nebraska-senator-rejects-trump-push-for-electoral-shake-up-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Nebraska senator rejects Trump push for electoral shake-up &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fkey-nebraska-senator-rejects-trump-push-for-electoral-shake-up-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2344965&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>A\u2063 key Republican senator from Nebraska, Mike McDonnell, has rejected calls from former President Donald Trump and other \u2062national\u200c Republicans to change the state&#8217;s method of allocating Electoral College votes in\u2064 advance of the 2024 election. McDonnell announced his decision to maintain \u2063the current\u200b system, which allows Nebraska to award two electoral\u200b votes to \u2062the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nebraska-republicans-push-for-big-2024-electoral-change-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Nebraska Republicans push for big 2024 electoral change - Washington Examiner\">statewide popular vote<\/a> winner \u2062and \u2063one \u200celectoral vote to the winner in each of its three congressional districts. This approach often \u2063results in \u2062a split electoral outcome. \u200cHe emphasized that, after careful consideration and listening to feedback from Nebraskans, he believes now \u2062is not the appropriate time to make any\u2063 changes,\u200d especially with \u200bonly\u200c 43 days until the election. This decision is seen\u200c as\u2064 a \u2062setback for \u200dTrump \u200dand his allies as they aim to secure electoral victories in \u200dNebraska.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Key Nebraska senator rejects Trump push for late electoral shake-up<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1765890\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>A key Republican from Omaha is rejecting efforts to change how Nebraska <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/3159552\/nebraska-republicans-push-electoral-vote-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>allocates its Electoral College votes <\/a>ahead of the 2024 election, dealing a blow to former President Donald Trump and his allies as they seek to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3151203\/dueling-abortion-ballot-measures-center-battle-key-nebraska-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>ensure a sweep<\/a> of the state in November.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a Republican, told his GOP colleagues he would not support an effort by Nebraska legislators to adjust the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/presidential\/3127457\/harris-stray-electoral-vote-battleground-nebraska-district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>state&rsquo;s electoral process<\/a> and return to &ldquo;the status quo&rdquo; of awarding all its votes to a single presidential candidate. Other national Republicans, such as Trump and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), have also called for a change, calling it crucial for the 2024 contest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;In recent weeks, a conversation around whether to change how we allocate our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/warp-speed-advisor-expects-vaccine-to-ship-mid-december-herd-immunity-by-may\/\" title=\"\u2018Warp Speed\u2019 advisor expects vaccine to ship mid-December, \u2018herd immunity\u2019 by May\">electoral college votes<\/a> has returned to the forefront,&rdquo; McDonnell said in a statement. &ldquo;I respect the desire of some of my colleagues to have this discussion, and I have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change,&rdquo; he added.<\/p>\n<p>Nebraska operates under a congressional district method, meaning the state allocates two electoral votes to the candidate who wins the statewide popular vote and then awards one electoral vote to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-hill-columnist-the-constitution-isnt-working\/\" title=\"The Hill Columnist: The Constitution Isn\u2019t Working\">popular vote winner<\/a> in each congressional district. Nebraska has three congressional districts, creating four popular vote contests in the state, often leading to a split electoral outcome.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, Nebraska&rsquo;s 2nd Congressional District holds one of the most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/philly-feeds-citizens-data-to-democrat-vote-harvesting-outfit\/\" title=\"Philly Feeds Citizens&#039; Data To Democrat Vote-Harvesting Outfit\">coveted electoral votes<\/a> in the country &mdash; and could determine the November election if it comes down to just one vote.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) has said he would consider calling a special session to vote on changing how the state distributes its electoral votes if there is enough support among state lawmakers, but so far, that has not accumulated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There are 49 senators in the Nebraska legislature, meaning 25 votes are needed for a majority, but 33 are needed to avoid a filibuster. There are 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one independent in the legislature.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The swing district in question has pivoted back and forth over the last decade, with former President Barack Obama winning it in 2008 before Republican nominee <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Mitt-Romney\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title>Mitt Romney<\/a> took it back in 2012. Trump then secured the district in 2016 before it swung back to Democrats in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Now, the single electoral vote could be what breaks a 269-269 tie in the Electoral College, a distinct possibility given the 2024 map, and both campaigns are pouring resources into the district to ensure a victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1765890\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1765890\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A prominent Republican senator from Omaha has dismissed attempts to alter Nebraska&#8217;s method of distributing its Electoral College votes in the lead-up to the 2024 election, which poses a setback for former President Donald Trump and his supporters who aim for a clean sweep in the state this November. State Senator Mike McDonnell stated he would not back any legislative efforts to modify Nebraska&#8217;s electoral process, opting instead to maintain the current system that awards all votes to one presidential candidate. National figures like Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have advocated for changes, deeming them essential for the upcoming election. McDonnell expressed his respect for colleagues wanting this discussion but emphasized that now is not the right time for such changes, especially with only 43 days remaining until Election Day. Nebraska currently uses a congressional district approach: two electoral votes go to the statewide popular vote winner while one vote is awarded based on each congressional district&#8217;s popular vote outcome. This system can lead to split results, making Nebraska\u2019s 2nd Congressional District particularly significant as it could potentially sway a close election outcome if it results in a tie. Governor Jim Pillen (R-NE) has indicated he might call a special session if there\u2019s sufficient support among lawmakers; however, no such consensus has emerged yet. The legislature consists of 49 senators\u201433 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one independent\u2014requiring 25 votes for a majority and 33 votes to prevent filibustering. The swing district has fluctuated between parties over recent elections; it was won by Barack Obama in 2008 before reverting back to Mitt Romney in 2012 and then going back to Trump in 2016 before flipping again towards Democrats in 2020. With potential ties looming in the Electoral College during the upcoming election cycle, both campaigns are heavily investing resources into securing victory within this pivotal district<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2640,"featured_media":2344966,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/nebraska-electoral-votes-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[34483,14648,5894,4012,3634],"class_list":["post-2344965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-electoral-reform","tag-nebraska","tag-politics","tag-senator","tag-trump"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/nebraska-electoral-votes-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2344965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2344965"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2344965\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2344966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2344965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2344965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2344965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}