In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
P.G.Hamer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>> Since the vote difference between Bush and Gore falls within the margin
>> of error for the counting process, declaring the winner is
>> mathematically indeterminable within any reasonable degree of
>> scientific confidence.
>> Since we cannot know who has won, the Florida Legislature should use
>> their power to honor the will of the people by choosing 25 electors
>> that proportionally represent the two candidates based on the popular
>> vote.
>> This solution is both common-sensical and constitutional.
>As has already been said, probably on another thread, deciding that
>the vote is `too close to call' requires a judgement just as arbitary and
>contestable as calling a winner.
>In general proportional representation for electors seems a good idea.
>[So like many good ideas in voting it will never be generally implemented?]
Proportional representation for electors will never come,
because it will greatly weaken the party machinery. Both
parties prefer the situation where one goes after the votes
of large states, or swing states, writing off the ones
which cannot be won. With even proportional division
within a state, there is no point in trying for Texas or
California as against spending a part of that money on
Delaware or Wyoming.
If it were really done, third parties would gain
significant numbers of electors, and this could throw the
decision into the House. This is what happened in 1824.
--
This address is for information only. I do not claim that these views
are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University.
Herman Rubin, Dept. of Statistics, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette IN47907-1399
[EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: (765)494-6054 FAX: (765)494-0558
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