Biden campaign enters panic mode as Nebraska lawmakers consider denying crucial electoral vote

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA: President Joe Biden's reelection campaign is quietly strategizing as Nebraska Republicans push for changes that could impact the president's path to securing another term in office.

The state's potential shift from allocating Electoral College votes based on congressional districts to a winner-take-all system has prompted Biden's team to engage with Nebraska Democrats in private discussions.

Legislative Proposal Raises Concerns

The proposed legislation, known as LB 764, has stirred considerable attention and concern among Democratic circles, particularly given Nebraska's unique electoral allocation system. Unlike most states, Nebraska currently distributes its Electoral College votes based on both statewide results and individual congressional district outcomes.

President Biden's campaign has refrained from public commentary on the matter, but insiders confirmed to Politico that they are closely monitoring the situation.

The prospect of Nebraska adopting a winner-take-all approach has raised eyebrows, especially considering the significance of the Omaha-based 2nd District, which has historically leaned Democratic in recent election cycles.

Former President Donald Trump and Nebraska's Republican Governor, Jim Pillen, have thrown their weight behind efforts to repeal the existing electoral law. Their advocacy has been bolstered by conservative figures such as talk show host Charlie Kirk, who is expected to rally support for LB 764 in Omaha.

“There’s a decent amount of momentum behind it, but there are only a handful of legislative days left so it’d take a herculean effort to make it happen logistically,” Barry Rubin, a Nebraska-based lobbyist, told Politico.

“Pressure from national groups, along with the governor and others, in addition to the enormous impact of removing the ‘blue dot’ from Nebraska’s 2nd could certainly move this along.”

While momentum for the legislation appears to be building, logistical challenges and time constraints pose significant hurdles. With the legislative session set to conclude on April 18, proponents of LB 764 face an uphill battle to shepherd the bill through the Nebraska Legislature.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its passage, the potential ramifications of LB 764 are not lost on political strategists. For President Biden, winning the Omaha district has been viewed as a critical component of his reelection strategy, alongside securing the traditional Democratic strongholds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

While some argue that Nebraska's electoral vote may not be essential given Biden's victories in states like Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada in 2020, others stress the strategic importance of maintaining multiple pathways to electoral success.

“When you look at the map, that one electoral vote really matters in combination with other things,” Jim Messina, who spearheaded Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, told Politico. “The easiest pathway to victory has always been the three Midwestern states plus Nebraska. They’d have to find something else too.”

Lawmakers in Nebraska are grappling with the practicalities of advancing LB 764 within a limited timeframe. 

“My staff and I are doing everything we can to seek options for getting this to the finish line. However, the harsh reality of a two-day time frame is limiting,” Republican state Sen. Loren Lippincott told the outlet. “I stand in support of this bill and will continue to fight for this in the Nebraska Legislature.”

Meanwhile, some are contending with potential legal challenges and the prospect of a voter referendum. “It could be a legal nightmare of epic proportions,” one Nebraska Democratic strategist told Politico on condition of anonymity.

Social Media Reactions

Social media was abuzz with reactions after it emerged that Biden had reached out to Nebraska Democrats in light of the development.

"The electoral college was designed to be a winner take all. Get with the program," one posted on X.

"This is a game of chess. Biden and his Administration don’t want the smoke!!" another wrote.

"The Good vs Evil War continues. This could be a HUGE win for Trump. Momentum is building," someone else added.

"I hope Nebraska does the right thing," another commented.

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