FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
Tuesday, March 13, 2013
Contact: Jessica Tramontana, jessica@progressmichigan.org, 517-974-6302
Over 20,000 Michiganders sign petition against electoral college changes
LANSING – Michigan citizens are urging Republicans in Lansing to reject any attempt to change the way the state’s electoral votes are allocated. The proposal was overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates at the state Republican convention, and two architects of the scheme are considering a run for US Senate. Thousands of Michiganders signed onto a petition telling Republicans to stand up for free and fair elections instead of changing the rules so they can win.
“When Republican politicians don’t like the rules, they try to change the rules and silence the voice of Michigan residents,” said Jessica Tramontana, Communications Director of Progress Michigan. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, but this proposal would make it so Michigan’s votes no longer matter in the 2016 presidential election. Republican politicians should drop this undemocratic scheme right away, and get to work creating jobs and investing in education.”
According to a National Journal report, the scheme was crafted by the Republican National Committee, and was brought to Michigan by former Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis and head of the House Republican campaign effort Rep. Pete Lund. In the wake of Sen. Carl Levin announcing he won’t run for reelection, both Anuzis and Rep. Lund have openly indicated their interest in running for US Senate.
This plan would leverage the 2010 redistricting plan passed by Lansing Republicans that drew hundreds of thousands of urban and minority Democratic voters into tightly-packed congressional districts like the 9th and 14th. If it had been in place for the 2012 election, Romney would’ve carried 9 of the state’s 16 electoral votes, despite winning support from less than 45 percent of Michigan voters.
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BACKGROUND
National Journal: The GOP’s Electoral College Scheme
Progress Michigan: Don’t let the MI GOP steal another election