A proposal to switch Nebraska to a “winner-take-all” Electoral College system, supported by former President Trump, Governor Jim Pillen, and Senator Pete Ricketts, failed a crucial procedural vote on Wednesday.

This change would align Nebraska’s Electoral College vote distribution with most of the country, potentially giving Trump an additional vote in future elections. Led by State Sen.

Julie Slama, the amendment to attach the bill to unrelated legislation faced significant opposition and fell short of the necessary support.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the bill’s partisan nature, with accusations of attempting to sneak it into unrelated proceedings.

Despite conservative activists’ optimism, prospects for the bill dimmed after the vote, with acknowledgment that it lacked sufficient backing to avoid a Democratic filibuster, The Hill has reported.

Nebraska, along with Maine, currently assigns Electoral College votes by district, but the proposed change could have significant implications, potentially costing President Biden an Electoral College vote in 2024.

The effort received late endorsements from Pillen, Trump, and Ricketts, with grassroots support led by political commentator Charlie Kirk.

Tensions rose between lawmakers and activist groups after the bill’s failure, with accusations of inadequate support and calls for leadership changes within the party.

Written by B.C. Begley