NationStates Jolt Archive

*its nice to see there are at least some republicans who think its better to put the countrys best interests above blind party loyalty

GOP Elector Threatens To Vote Against Bush
In West Virginia, one of the state's five Republican electors is threatening to vote against President Bush in the Electoral College if the president carries the state's popular vote. Richie Robb, who is the mayor of South Charleston, said he would do so to protest what he believes are misguided policies of the current administration. He said, "I know that among some in my own party, what I'm discussing would be considered treasonous. But I'm not going to cheerlead us down the primrose path when I know we're being led in the wrong direction."
www.dailymail.com

The Electoral College don't meet until the end of November, this guy can always be replaced before the meeting even starts. Its up to the state to choose the elector and they can switch electors at any time for any reason.

I salute his priniciples, but not what he's going to do-even if it plays in 'my' favour. While it would have a less drastic effect, it would be more honourable to step down from his position and perhaps even join the Kerry campaign so that he doesn't have to shirk his duty. If the situation where reversed would I be angry? You bet, so in fairness I have to decry this. Again, I salute that he believes (and agree with him) I just don't agree with what he's says he's going to do.

While I agree with this guys position, he shouldn't go about it this way. If he doesn't agree with the current administration, he can join the Kerry campaing. Even though I really want Bush out of there, I would never give do what this guy wan'ts to do.

Even though I don't want Bush to win, what this guy is doing is extremely dishonest. He wasn't chosen as an elector to vote his conscious; he was chosen to represent the wishes of the people of his district of West Virginia. If he doesn't support the policies of Bush, then he can vote that way with his individual vote. But, as an elector, it's not his personal vote. It's a vote to represent the people of West Virginia. I hope he's replaced.

It is not unheard of for someone to do this. However, is is rather ridiculous to be chosen as an elector for your party, to be the mayor of a city, and then to refuse to represent the people who chose you.

Many people use the electoral college as a stepping stone to a more broad political career. To do what this man is suggesting is political suicide. That would kill a future career as anyones representative

That's horrible. I'm even vehemently against Bush, and I think that's pretty bad. Yes, I think Bush is a horrible president, and I hope to whatever god I feel like hoping to at any particular moment that he does not get reelected, but if a state votes for a guy, then it's wrong for one man to completely ignore the popular vote, and decide that he knows better. If the opposite happened, and someone did the same basic thing except against Kerry, you would be furious, wouldn't you? I know I would at least.

well some could argue that it was also pretty disgraceful the way the RNC exploited a man whose family has a history of Alzheimers and who is in the early stages of Alzheimers himself (Zell Miller) to make a hatefilled and incoherent attack on Senator Kerry-I think even the most partisan republican cringed at this obscene spectacle--Im sure Bush the sadist was laffing about it behind the curtain tho

The Electoral College don't meet until the end of November, this guy can always be replaced before the meeting even starts. Its up to the state to choose the elector and they can switch electors at any time for any reason.
not unless they kill him. electors are "elected" invisibly when you vote for governor i believe it is

Damn, look at all this integrity. warm fuzzies.