Key Nebraska Republican comes out against electoral college rule-change

A key Nebraska Republican has come out against a push to change the way the state awards its Electoral College votes just weeks before Election Day. 

State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a Democrat-turned-Republican whose vote was seen as pivotal to moving the effort forward, has said now isn't the time to try and tweak the Cornhusker State's unique system, which Republicans want to change to a winner-take-all setup.

“Elections should be an opportunity for all voters to be heard, no matter who they are, where they live, or what party they support,” McDonnell said in a statement.

“I have taken time to listen carefully to Nebraskans and national leaders on both sides of the issue. After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change,” the state lawmaker said.

The Hill has reached out to McDonnell for more.

Republicans wanted to shift to a winner-take-all system for the presidential race, which would all but assure that former President Trump would win all five of the state's electoral votes.

Right now, Nebraska gives just two of its five electoral votes to whoever outright wins the state, and apportions the other three based on the winner of each of its three congressional districts.

Vice President Harris is favored to win the second congressional district, and that single electoral vote could prove valuable.