The republican leader of the Pennsylvania state senate has vowed that the legislature will follow the law in assigning delegates to the Electoral College based on the popular vote, despite reports from The Atlantic that state republican leaders would undermine the popular vote to support President Trump if he loses, according to PennLive.
“I have had zero contact with the Trump campaign or others about changing Pennsylvania’s long-standing tradition of appointing electors consistent with the popular vote,” state Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said. “The General Assembly is obligated to follow the law and the law is the Election Code, which clearly defines how electors are chosen and does not involve the legislature.”The story in The Atlantic detailed discussions between the Trump campaign and various state legislative leaders to devise schemes to reallocate delegates in states that Biden won in close or disputed races, filling those slots with loyal Trump electors.
The leader of the state republican Party, however, told The Atlantic that such a scheme was possible if needed to help Trump to victory.
“I’ve mentioned it to [the Trump campaign], and I hope they’re thinking about it too,” state republican Chairman Lawrence Tabas told the magazine. “I just don’t think this is the right time for me to be discussing those strategies and approaches, but [direct appointment of electors] is one of the options.”