'Ground Zero For The Future Of The Republic': Nebraska Republicans Reject Trump-Endorsed Winner-Take-All Proposal, But Another Vote Is Expected

On Wednesday, the Nebraska unicameral legislature voted down a procedural motion that could have seen the electoral map shift in presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump's favor. The motion, an amendment to LB 1300, would have reverted to a winner-take-all system for the presidential election, thus allocating all five of the state's electoral votes to Trump in November, given that the state goes overwhelmingly for Republicans. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won one electoral vote after winning Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, which centers around Omaha, by 6.5 percent.

The amendment to the bill was shot down by the legislature, which recently became dominated by a Republican supermajority after a pro-life Democrat switched parties on a vote of 36 to eight. Just before the vote, State Senator Julie Shama (R) told her colleagues, "Make no mistake about it, that vote on the motion to overrule the chair is your vote on winner-take-all. We're gonna find out where you stand. You cannot hide behind this being just a procedural vote. You will be called out for what it is. The state is watching. The country is watching."

While the legislature shotdown the amendment attempt, there is still hope for Republicans to come out on top. The original legislation, LB 764, introduced by State Senator Loren Lippincott (R) is currently stuck in committee, however, TPUSA CEO Charlie Kirk revealed that the legislation will be added as an amendment to LB 541 which will be up for a vote in the coming days. 

"If you live in Nebraska, you are now Ground Zero for the future of the Republic," Kirk explained on 'The Charlie Kirk Show.' "It just so happens because of the census..it just so ends up that that one little pesky electoral vote in Omaha can determine the whole presidential election."

Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) has come out in support of the legislation, explaining in a letter earlier this week, "I am a strong supporter of Senator Lippincott's winner-take-all bill (LB 764) and have been from the start. It would bring Nebraska into line with 48 of our fellow states, better reflect the founders' intent, and ensure our state speaks with one unified voice in presidential elections. I call upon fellow Republicans in the legislature to pass this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law."

President Donald Trump has also demanded that Nebraska Republicans take action, writing on Truth Social, "Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska, a very smart and popular Governor, who has done some really great things, came out today with a very strong letter in support of returning Nebraska's Electoral Votes to a Winner-Take-All System. Most Nebraskans have wanted to go back to this system for a very long time, because it's what 48 other States do - It's what the Founders intended, and it's right for Nebraska. Thank you Governor for your bold leadership. Let's hope the Senate does the right thing. Nebraskans, respectfully ask your Senators to support this Great Bill!"

If the legislation passes, Biden's path to reelection narrows dramatically. Under the current system, Democrats would only have to win the swing states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan in addition to Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. However, if the Cornhusker State decides to revert to a winner-take-all system, Biden would have to win an additional state - Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, or North Carolina - to win the presidency without the electoral college vote being tied. In a tie scenario where each candidate receives 269 electoral votes, the House of Representatives votes to decide who will be the next president.

Nebraska, which is only joined by Maine in assigning electoral votes by congressional district, instituted its split vote system in 1991. Barack Obama was the first Democrat to win an electoral vote from the state in 2008. That feat was replicated again by Biden in 2020. The current system allocates two electoral votes to the winner of the state's popular vote and one electoral vote each for each of its three congressional districts. Nebraska's switch to the winner-take-all system could be instrumental in the election of Donald Trump in November, and Nebraska Republicans should take action.

If you are a resident of Nebraska, you can find contact information for your state senator here.

Watch Charlie Kirk's explanation of the current situation in Nebraska below:

.@charliekirk11: "If you live in Nebraska, you are now Ground Zero for the future of the Republic." pic.twitter.com/pvM9GmTVUp

— Human Events (@HumanEvents) April 4, 2024

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