Nebraska’s Republican state senators who blocked a push for a winner-take-all electoral vote system have shown they are not aligned with the party’s goals. Gov. Jim Pillen (R) announced that he would not call a special session to address the issue after key Republican senators refused to support the measure.
Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, who recently switched from Democrat to Republican, was one of the senators who blocked the change. McDonnell’s refusal, along with that of two other senators, prevented the GOP from gathering the 33 votes needed to pass the bill.
McDonnell stated, “Right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.” His stance has angered many conservatives who believe that switching to a winner-take-all system is essential for securing all of Nebraska’s electoral votes for the Republican candidate in the upcoming election.
In 2020, President Donald Trump lost one of Nebraska’s electoral votes to Joe Biden in the 2nd Congressional District. This vote could be crucial again in 2024, and the failure to pass this measure could leave Republicans vulnerable to losing another vote.
Gov. Pillen expressed his frustration, saying, “We have left every inch on the field to get this done.” The inability to move forward with the winner-take-all system is a significant setback for Republicans in the state.
These senators have shown that they are not willing to stand with their party when it matters most. Voters should consider replacing them with representatives who are committed to advancing conservative values and securing Republican victories in future elections.
