NJ Nears Undermining Electoral College

[mcscajun]

Source: AP via NYT

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey is close to entering a compact that would eliminate the power of the Electoral College to choose a president if enough states endorse the idea.

The state Senate voted Thursday to approve delivering the state's 15 electoral votes for president to the winner of the national popular vote. The Assembly approved the measure in December and needs Gov. Jon S. Corzine's signature to become law.

''The bill is subject to a thorough review, but Gov. Corzine has long been a supporter of this concept,'' Corzine spokesman Jim Gardner said.

The measure could result in the electoral votes going to a candidate opposed by voters in New Jersey, which has backed Democratic presidential candidates since 1988.

The compact would take effect only if enough states -- those with a majority of votes in the Electoral College -- agreed to it. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win.

MORE

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Popular-Vote.html

---

We now return you to the continuing coverage of the Iowa Caucus...