GOP pushes winner-take-all strategy in Trump quest for extra electoral vote, sparks Democrat response

In an effort to secure one additional electoral vote for former President Donald Trump, Republican legislators in Nebraska are proposing a change that would transform the state’s voting system from its current district-based method into winner takes all. This move is intended to prevent Joe Biden from securing an Electoral College vote by winning Nebraska’s Omaha District as he did during the 2020 election. If successful, this strategy would eliminate one of President Biden’s potential paths to victory, which involves gaining victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin while also claiming Nebraska’s second district. However, Maine Democrats have responded by proposing a similar change that could strip Trump of an electoral vote should Nebraska follow through with their measure as both states are currently the only ones awarding Electoral College votes based on congressional districts won rather than statewide results. The bill has been stalled in legislature, but Maine’s Democratic majority leader Maureen Terry stated that her party would be compelled to act if Nebraska Republicans succeed with their proposal as they value fairness and playing by the rules. “Voters in Maine and voters in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District value independence,” she said, “but they also value fairness and following established procedures.” Republican Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska has encouraged legislators to convene a special session for passing this bill through as he believes it would honor the state’s constitutional founding while unifying its people. However, both states have already adjourned their respective sessions; thus Maine’s Democratic governor Janet Mills may need to call lawmakers into an extraordinary meeting in order to counteract Nebraska Republicans’ plans.