Stop the GOP from Stealing the Presidency Right Here in California

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Art Torres
Chair of the California Democratic Party

The Republican initiative called the “Presidential Election Reform Act,” about to begin circulating for signatures to qualify for California’s June 3, 2008 primary, is like a bad movie sequel.

“Florida, Part Deux” is simply another GOP power grab, expanding on what Republicans did to Al Gore, and to our nation, in 2000 -- only this time, it’s happening right in our own backyard.

In 1992 and 1996, Bill Clinton got the most votes in California, as well as nationwide. The same for Al Gore in 2000, despite the Supreme Court vote. In 2004, Bush lost California by 1.2 million votes, but received the most votes in enough states (and nationally), which gave him the necessary Electoral Votes and a second term.

Now the Republicans don’t want to give the win to the presidential candidate who gets the most votes statewide, beginning with the crucial 2008 race. This initiative would take California’s 55 Electoral Votes, one for each of our 53 congressional districts and two for our U.S. Senators, and break them up as a way to supersede the popular vote of California.

Since 1850, California has used a statewide system for counting the vote for presidential candidates. Prior to 1940, the names of the Electors were listed on the ballot, but it was always a statewide vote. When Ronald Reagan was running for President, he never proposed changing the system.

Under this initiative, if the Republican presidential nominee wins any congressional district then that district’s electoral votes would be cast for the Republican. Bush won 22 districts in California in 2004.

Under this new scheme, the Republican candidate would be able to steal 22 of California’s 55 electoral votes. This could mean the difference between electing a Democratic President who will lead our country in a new direction, and another four years of the Republican status quo -- which polls show the American people do not want.