Senator Clodfelter (D-Mecklenburg) introduced Senate Bill 954 last night. It allows for NC to enter a compact with other states to guarantee that all of North Carolina’s electoral votes go to the presidential candidate receiving the most votes nationally.
Senator Eddie Goodall (R-Mecklenburg) had concerns over the bill’s constitutionality, arguing that there is a direct conflict with the federalist laws of the Constitution. In essence, this bill bastardizes the 12th amendment, giving all the power to large cities. It takes away the constitutional power of the states not in the compact.
In the opinions expressed by others, if this bill passes, the media markets will control who is elected president, and the votes of North Carolinians will not matter.
Robert Pittenger (R-Mecklenburg) argued that any student of the constitution would agree that this bill does not serve our country well. We’d be farming out NC votes to someone else.
Senator Clodfelter (D-Mecklenburg) responded with passion, saying that the president should be elected by the majority opinion. He made reference to the 2000 election and the fact that Gore had more of the popular vote, yet did not win.
As a last attempt at jerking tears from Senate members, Clodfelter said that one of the last things that Senator Lucas said before she died was that she wanted this bill put in drafting.
Second reading, vote:
Yes: 30, No: 18 — Along party lines.
Passes third reading by voice vote.
Passes over to the House.
