President Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the election results could come down to him pressing congressional Republicans to step in and help.
Politico noted that Congress has to certify the results of the election after the Electoral College casts the official vote for president on Dec. 14. An 1887 law mandates that Congress must meet on Jan. 6 to take action.
The law says that the House and Senate must meet in joint session that day to certify the results. But if a House member and senator team together, they are able to object to entire slates of presidential electors. And there are multiple opportunities for lengthy delays in the process since each state’s electors must be certified separately, Politico said.
If a slate of electors is challenged, the House and Senate must go back to their chambers and debate the outcome before voting.
And if the Senate upholds a challenge to some presidential electors, it would almost certainly put the chamber at odds with the Democrat-run House victory.
Still, several Republican lawmakers in then House acknowledge they are considering the option to challenge, Politico said.
“Nothing is off the table,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
And Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, said potential challenges are seriously being considered by some members and they’re “studying” up on it.
Meanwhile Jenna Ellis, who is part of the Trump campaign’s legal team, cautioned: "Until the Electoral College actually votes on Dec. 14, we don't have a president-elect.”
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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