Red-state Democrats look to turn local wins into split Electoral College vote in 2024

Cami Mondeaux

May 06, 01:13 PM May 06, 01:13 PM

Democrats in a pair of heavily Republican states are looking toward an obscure election law that could help the party pick up a few stray Electoral College votes that could help secure the White House in 2024.

Democrats saw a handful of key wins in Lincoln, Nebraska, this week after Democratic Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird handily won a second term, and the party was able to win three of the four contested seats on the city council, giving Democrats a 6-1 majority. The local wins give hope to Democrats as they turn their eyes to 2024, hoping to secure Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District electoral vote to the party’s presidential nominee.

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Nebraska is one of two states that allows its electoral votes to be split among candidates in the presidential election rather than operating by a winner-take-all system used by the rest of the country. The only other state that operates through a similar system is Maine.

Through this system, Nebraska awards two of its electoral votes based on the statewide vote and one vote for each of its three congressional districts. Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, where Lincoln is located, has twice awarded its electoral vote to Democratic presidential candidates — stripping Republicans of securing all five of the state’s votes.

Democratic leaders say they are confident in their chances to once again secure the support of the 2nd District, pointing to issues such as abortion and education that could help boost voter turnout in their favor.

“Women’s reproductive freedom will continue to be a key issue that voters want a clear answer from candidates on where they stand, and Republicans are simply out of step with the majority of Nebraskans," Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb said.

Republicans in the Cornhusker State have acknowledged abortion is likely to emerge as a key platform in 2024, warning candidates that efforts to ban the procedure could cost them at the polls.

“[The 2022 midterms] made the message clear to me how critical abortion will be in 2024,” said Nebraska Sen. Merv Riepe. “We must embrace the future of reproductive rights.”

Nebraska GOP split on how much they want to restrict abortion

Eden Villalovas

April 12, 11:44 AM April 12, 11:44 AM

Nebraska lawmakers are set to begin the first-round debate on Wednesday morning for a bill that would ban abortion once a heartbeat is identified in an embryo, typically around six weeks of pregnancy.

In 2010, Nebraska passed the country’s first law banning abortion at 20 weeks, citing the theory that a fetus could possibly feel pain at that point. The state has been a leader in anti-abortion legislation, but Republicans have been divided over the bill up for debate, introducing an amendment that would push the ban to 12 weeks.

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Sen. Merv Riepe challenged the bill introduced by Sen. Joni Albrecht last month, arguing the six-week ban might not give women enough time to know they are pregnant.

“I wanted to have some dialogue,” he said in a committee hearing on March 16.

Riepe reiterated that while he urges a fair conversation, he would not stand in the way if the vote is close. “And I think I’m clearly on the record that I will be … the 33rd vote to move it.”

Albrecht told the Nebraska Examiner that while she would prefer a total ban, she has negotiated on expectations for cases such as rape, incest, and the life or health of the mother.

"It's about elective abortions. We want to stop that from happening — women who it’s inconvenient for them to have it, not wanting to have it," she said. "This is the right thing to do for the people."

Republicans will need the full support of their lawmakers, as it takes 33 votes to resolve a debate and end a filibuster. Republicans have the majority, 32 seats, while Democrats hold 17. Sen. Mike McDonnell is the lone Democrat who has pledged his vote to Albrecht’s bill.

Opponents of the bill have pledged to filibuster, stretching the full eight hours before a vote is held.

“I have nothing, nothing but time, and I am going to use all of it,” Democratic Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh said in February.

The bill advancing to the second round relies on whether any lawmakers will shift from their loyalty to the conservative- or left-leaning stance.

"If neither side is perfectly happy, then you may have a sustainable bill," Riepe said. "I just want to put it in front of people because I think that's what democracy is about."

Midterm results: Rep. Don Bacon wins race for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District

Juliegrace Brufke

November 09, 02:10 AM November 09, 02:11 AM

Rep. Don Bacon (R) prevailed in his race against state Sen. Tony Vargas (D) to represent Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, a coveted swing seat.

Bacon, an Air Force veteran who was first elected in 2016, has faced tough races since coming to Congress, with the seat being just one of seven nonpartisan political handicapper Cook Political Report rates as being even in its Partisan Voting Index.

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Both candidates looked to paint their respective opponent as extreme during the course of the race.

Bacon ran heavily on economic issues, arguing that he was better suited to address issues such as inflation and high gas prices. He hit his opponent for his position on tax policy and touted his bipartisan record on the trail. Vargas, a former school teacher, in turn, attacked Bacon on issues including abortion and his stance on healthcare policy.

Both parties poured money into the race, with Bacon spending $3.3 million and Vargas spending $2.8 million, according to OpenSecrets. GOP outside groups spent a whopping $5.6 million, while Democratic-aligned groups spent $5.2 million.

GOP lawmaker says he would not approach to help Trump in 2024 most important

Christopher Hutton

June 12, 03:48 PM June 12, 03:49 PM

At least one particular Republican consultant is not arranging to assist former President Donald Trump in 2024.

Don Bacon (R-NE) stated all through a Sunday look that Trump would not be his perfect selection in the 2024 Republican presidential principal. He did not swear off Trump as an choice but appeared hopeful that other candidates would phase in as a better alternative.

"We have to master the lesson of 'Why did we shed in 2020?' It was the comportment and the temperament," Bacon explained. "And yes, a democracy respects elections. And our president need to have highly regarded the conclusion [in 2020], specifically when all the court situations were being figured out."

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When requested by Meet the Push host Chuck Todd if he could consider voting for the former president, Bacon explained it was on the desk but not his present target.

"Effectively, I'm likely to target on 2022, but no, I am going to be seeking for other candidates," Bacon noted. "We have a excellent slate of probable Republican presidents for 2024, and I seem forward to remaining really involved and striving to get the ideal prospect nominated."

When questioned by Todd if he would assistance Trump if he was nominated, the Nebraska Republican appeared unsure.

"You know, I am reluctant to go there. But he is not heading to be my option in the major, that's for absolutely sure."

The previous president has alluded to a 2024 operate a number of instances because he still left business office. His most current election hint was produced throughout his overall look at the 2022 NRA Convention.

Bacon has been relatively significant of the previous president in the past. He supported building the Pick Fee on Jan. 6 but voted towards impeaching the previous president in excess of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.