Redstate

By Chris Floyd Posted in User Blogs — Comments (8) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Want to slow the deterioration of the federal principle in this country?

Want to stop a partisan ploy to eke out a few more electoral votes for John Kerry in 2004?

Want to oppose the retroactive rearrangement of presidential election results in November?

Want to slap down simple-minded populists who believe that we don't have a democracy unless the popular vote directly determines the presidency?

If you just caught yourself shouting "Yes, yes, dear GOD, YES!" then turn your sights to Colorado... and read on.In November, a state-level ballot initiative could be among the most consequential factors in a close presidential election.  Colorado's Amendment 36 would take the Centennial State's 9 electoral votes and divide them between all candidates according to their share of the popular vote.  Effectively, this means that Colorado would be a 1-Elector state, with 5 votes going to one candidate and 4 going to the other.  Significant third-party candidates could deplete even these numbers.  Coloradans should dread this idea, for it leaves them at the bottom of the barrel in terms of Presidential attention, both during election season and even between elections when federal tax dollars come back to states to fund programs (and curry favor).

But there are reasons that non-Coloradans, as well, should hate this Amendment.  First, while it depends upon the idealistic populism of nit-wits who believe the popular vote should determine the presidency, it is really a carefully constructed partisan ploy to give Electoral votes to John Kerry this fall.  If Coloradans vote for this proposal on November 2, it will immediately--retroactively, in a sense--affect the presidential votes made on that same day.  Colorado is a reliably Republican state, but it has a significant Democratic population.  If such a system had been in place in 2000, Al Gore would be President, having garnered 4 votes from Colorado.

The initiative is funded by a California millionaire known for supporting the Democratic party.  If this were an initiative motivated by principle, it would be written to take effect in 2008, without the confusing and questionable retroactivity.  Or, better yet, our principled millionaire would propose it in his OWN state (where it would cost Kerry so dearly as to practically put him out of the race entirely).

The last reason non-Coloradans should pay attention: Your state may be next.  MSNBC says, "If approved by voters, Colorado's measure could begin a state-by-state change in the electoral vote system, without proponents having to go to the trouble of attempting to amend the U.S. Constitution."

Let's summarize: Amendment 36 is a profoundly idiotic idea.  For Colorado, and for those who respect the federalist structure of our union.

All the major papers in Colorado are against Amendment 36.  The Governor is against it.  Basically, all the political cognoscenti (except rabid partisans and glassy-eyed fools like a particular state rep from Boulder) know it's a terrible, terrible idea.

...And so they are not fighting against it.

Meanwhile, the initiative is supported in early polls, though it's clear much of the electorate wants to know more.  The organization that got the measure on the ballot, Make Your Vote Count, remains strong and active, spreading a message that's as attractive as it is pernicious.

What about the opposition?  They don't have a website.  They don't have yard signs or informative campaigns.  The best advertisement they have is their catchy name: Coloradans Against a Really Stupid Idea.  (They are also known as "No on 36.")

When I got my little blue book of ballot items in the mail last week and realized that the morons had managed to get enough moron signatures for Amendment 36, it motivated a bit of activism in my normally complacent soul.  Mainly, I just wanted a bumper sticker to show my personal opposition.  With a little research, it became clear that the opposition was, to be generous, struggling.  I finally dug up a phone number, called these fine people up, and asked about signs and stickers.  Answer: They can't afford them.  The only thing they know they can afford right now are some radio advertisements later in the month.

So the question for all you Coloradans out there--and maybe you others as well--is this: Are you going to assume that the stupidity of this idea is going to be clear to voters without anyone dedicated to making that case?  Are you comfortable letting these people continue to seduce the electorate with pleasant words about "democracy" and "fairness" and "enfranchisement" until November 2, with no organizational opposition?

If George Will is right, and this vote is "crucial" then Coloradans Against a Really Stupid Idea needs money.  It seems to me that flowery notions about "making every vote count" sound extremely attractive to the average person, and we all know that the beauty of the Electoral College is anything but self-evident.  In other words, this measure isn't going to defeat itself.  The local newspapers are doing their part.  Bloggers, God bless 'em, are on the job.  Governor Owens has spoken out, although he needs to say more.

Is that enough for you?  If it's not, then help some Coloradans fight a Really Stupid Idea.  Send money (any amount, in-state or out-of-state; checks made out to "No on 36") to this address.  And what the heck: tack on $.02 as a RedStater.

Coloradans Against a Really Stupid Idea

c/o Katy Atkinson and Associates

1009 Grant Street #204

Denver, CO 80203

If you can donate something else--website hosting or design, printing services, etc.--I'm guessing they might be interested in that as well.  Contact them at 303-861-9440 or at kathiefinger[at]aol[dot]com.