When will you introduce and promote legislation to fix our thoroughly broken electoral system beginning with the elimination of the electoral college process? When will you advocate for real democracy in America?
Asked by: Ruthe Swinson from Washington, DC
Answer from: U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
I think it is democracy. We are a democratic republic. The way the system is set up provides a slight advantage a slight boost to smaller states. I don’t think they would ever vote to give them up. The smaller states would resist, correctly, because that is one of the commitments they were given when they entered the Union.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2008
Answer from: U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
I think the electoral college has a good reason that its in place. Its to make sure every state has the ability to decide who are next representatives are, that it’s not just dominated by the most populated states.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2008
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Demand Democracy
Posted by Will on February 23rd, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Both of these Congressmen were asked a question and provided an answer. Ok. But there is no debate. Should we be satisfied with this question/answer format? Is it not a symptom of a larger problem - that a few hundred people set policy for millions. Our system of representative government needs an upgrade. Why do we have 100 senators? This is a design decision. Should we change this number? Maybe we should use information and communication technologies to facilitate a more direct system of government. Our government is designed. It can be redesigned. Let's redesign it so that Congress involves a much larger body of people. This would be an enormous advancement toward democratic governance. The electoral college must go. Traditions of elite rule must change. Let's not ask them questions about whether they will give up power. They will avoid and evade those questions. Let's tell them that we will demand democracy. Let's tell them that we will get organized and educated and restore power to the people. Afterall, we are the government. It's time for us to act like it.
Comments before answer
I notice that my question
Posted by RJSwinson on February 6th, 2008 at 1:35 PM
I notice that my question lists no one to whom the question should be addressed. I asked that my question be addressed to the following:
Each of the current leading candidates for President as well as the leaders of the US House of Representatives and of the US Senate. Could you please add this to my question.
Thank you. RJSwinson, Washington, DC