Senator Mike McDonnell states he will not support winner-take-all system “as of today,” according to Nebraska Examiner | Politics

OMAHA — Nebraska State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha acknowledged Thursday via a spokesman that he mentioned on Wednesday the longer term of how Nebraska awards its Electoral College votes.

McDonnell was amongst two dozen Republican state senators who met in Lincoln with Gov. Jim Pillen, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and others backing former President Donald Trump.

Most within the group, together with the Nebraska Republican Party, need Nebraska to undertake a winner-take-all method to presidential elections, like 48 different states. They need it achieved this yr.

Nebraska and Maine award a single Electoral College vote to the winner in every congressional district, plus two votes to the statewide winner of the presidential standard vote.

McDonnell spokesman Barry Rubin described the proposal to have Nebraska award all 5 of its Electoral College votes to the statewide winner as “a passionate issue for all Nebraskans.”

“Senator McDonnell has heard compelling arguments from both sides,” Rubin stated Thursday. “And, as of today, (he) is still a no.”

McDonnell was a Democrat first

McDonnell was a lifelong Democrat earlier than he switched to the Republican Party in April. He remains to be a labor chief in Omaha. He has aspirations of working for mayor of Omaha as early as 2025.

He stated when he switched events that he would by no means support winner-take-all. Several of these on the Wednesday gathering stated, nonetheless, that McDonnell advised them he was in search of a manner to get to sure, although he expressed issues.

Rubin did not reply questions in regards to the Wednesday assembly. But others McDonnell spoke with on Thursday stated he advised some of them that he was misunderstood by his fellow Republicans on Wednesday.

The Wednesday assembly answered questions aimed toward potential GOP holdouts to winner-take-all who've hinted that they could have doubts about meddling with election legislation so shut to the overall election.

Several who attended the assembly stated some senators who had wavered earlier confirmed extra support for altering to winner-take-all this yr. And some famous a shift in McDonnell’s tone.

Winner-take-all push will get assist of Gov. Jim Pillen, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Trump

Political observers on Thursday questioned whether or not McDonnell can beat Republican incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert in a metropolis that’s dwelling to the state’s most Democrats if he backs winner-take-all.

Others described him as caught both manner, as a result of trendy Republicans worth Trump greater than many of the social gathering’s coverage positions and are probably to punish McDonnell if he votes no on the problem.

Republicans are treating the push for Trump to win Nebraska’s 2nd District significantly. Some have argued it might break a 269-269 Electoral College tie.

President Joe Biden gained the 2nd District in 2020. In the earlier election in 2016, Trump gained all 5 of the state’s votes, as Mitt Romney did in 2012. In 2008, former President Barack Obama gained the 2nd.

Others react to McDonnell

Pillen, in a press release Thursday, praised McDonnell for his assist in the course of the current particular session on property tax reduction and for his work to assist fund Offutt Air Force Base.

“I know him to be a diligent legislator,” Pillen stated of McDonnell. “On winner-take-all, I know he is considering all the factors and I appreciate his thoughtfulness.”

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb praised McDonnell for being “consistent and steadfast in standing up for Nebraskans having a voice in our electoral process and having a choice.” 

Pillen advised the senators Wednesday that he wants them to present him they've 33 agency commitments from state lawmakers to support winner-take-all — the minimal wanted to overcome a possible filibuster — earlier than he calls a particular session to pursue it.

Senators attending the assembly advised the Examiner that Pillen would like to name a session no later than subsequent week.

Ballots will be despatched to Nebraskans overseas beginning this week. The first stateside ballots are to be mailed Sept. 30. Early in-person voting in Nebraska begins Oct. 7. Some legal professionals have argued that the foundations governing an election ought to not be modified after voting begins.