Nebraska’s Republican state senators who refused to support a winner-take-all electoral vote system are standing in the way of progress for their state and party. Gov. Jim Pillen (R) announced that he will not call a special session to address the issue before the 2024 election, following the failure to gather enough votes in the state senate.
Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, who switched from Democrat to Republican earlier this year, played a key role in stopping the effort. His opposition, along with that of two other GOP senators, left the party without the 33 votes needed to implement the change.
McDonnell defended his decision, saying, “Right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change.” His reluctance to back the proposal has left many conservatives frustrated, especially as Nebraska’s split-vote system could cost Republicans a crucial electoral vote, as it did in 2020.
Gov. Pillen expressed his disappointment, stating, “We have left every inch on the field to get this done.” The failure to switch to a winner-take-all system could have serious consequences for the GOP in the upcoming election, with Nebraska’s electoral votes potentially playing a key role.
The senators who refused to support this measure are holding Nebraska and the Republican Party back. Their failure to act in the best interests of their party shows a lack of commitment to securing Republican victories in future elections. It may be time for these senators to be replaced by representatives who will prioritize the goals of the party and the people of Nebraska.
