Republican Strategy for 2012 - Change the Rules

The 2012 Election is going to be close, regardless who ends up being the Republican nominee and regardless how bad the economy is. Americans are upset about the economy, but they are also not impressed with the field of Republican candidates. I believe the GOP has known this for a while, and has been quietly organizing to help ensure a Republican victory next year.

Their plan: Change the rules of the game. After the 2010 midterms, Republicans took control of a majority of state legislatures and Governor’s mansions. They have used this new power to try and fundamentally change the process in which voting happens, and even how the Electoral College works.

In 19 states, Republicans have (or are trying to) change the rules on how people vote. Early voting has been reduced in several states – shortening the amount of time one has to send in an early voting ballot, shortening polling place hours, etc. Early voters overwhelmingly skew towards Democrats. Seven states have enacted new voter ID rules, requiring a government issued photo ID to be shown at the polls. Though this seems like a no-brainer, a vast majority of college students don’t have IDs for their college town and many elderly and poor people do not have valid IDs. These groups vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. Six states have ended same-day voter registration. Same day registration is generally used by folks who don’t normally vote. 1^st time voters generally vote for Democrats.

In 2008, Nebraska split its Electoral College votes – giving 1 vote to President Obama and 4 to John McCain. It assigns Electoral College votes based on who wins each specific congressional district and then gives the other 2 votes to whoever wins the popular vote. Nebraska’s 2^nd District, which is metropolitan Omaha, went to President Obama in 2008. The Republican-controlled legislature has proposed changing the election rules by turning Nebraska into a “winner-take-all” state – whoever wins the popular vote gets all of the Electoral College votes. Since Nebraska is traditionally a Red state, it is unlikely Democrats will ever win an Electoral College vote there again.

Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is doing exactly the opposite. In 2008, Obama won all 21 electoral votes. The Republican-controlled legislature wants to change the rules from “winner-take-all” to a “split vote” system. The electoral votes would be assigned based on number of districts won, with the winner of the popular vote getting the extra 2 votes. In 2008, Obama won the popular vote, but only 9 of Pennsylvania’s 19 congressional Districts. Under the new rules, Obama would only win 11 electoral votes and McCain would’ve won the others. This becomes more detrimental to Obama since Pennsylvania will only have 20 electoral votes in 2012 due to redistricting. Chances are Obama will only win 8 districts in 2012, thus splitting the electoral votes (10-10) with his opponent.

On a personal level, I am disgusted by the conduct of the Republican Party on this issue. It is one thing to attack the President on the issues – but to fundamentally change the way our Democracy works to help ensure your party’s victory? It is a complete perversion of our system of government, especially since this is being done solely to beat this one President!

If you disagree with the President on the issues – you think he’s bungling the economic recovery, or spending too much money, or hate his Progressive policies – that’s fine. You have a right to disagree. And, you have the right to vote in order to help change things. But you DO NOT have the right to restrict the ability of others who disagree with you.

Republicans need to learn that, too!