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Electors disagree on future of system Supporters say it levels field By Paul Fattig A local graduate of the Electoral College gives the institution a failing grade. But two electors-in-waiting say it�s too early to overthrow the system. "The principal reason we should go to a popular vote is that the public can understand it � it�s much more simple," said former state legislator Donald Stathos of Jacksonville. "It would be a miracle that you ever had the popular vote for president so close that you would need a recount," he added. "It�s best in politics to have things simple. People would have more confidence in the system." A Republican who supports George W. Bush, Stathos, 76, served as the chairman of the Oregon delegation in the Electoral College in the 1960 presidential election between Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy. The GOP electors supported Nixon, who took Oregon but lost the national race. "What�s going on in Florida now is making people more conscious of the Electoral College and the reason to do away with it," Stathos said. "If we didn�t have the Electoral College, we wouldn�t have all the machinations that are going on now." But Perry Atkinson, who chairs the Oregon GOP, supports the Electoral College. The Medford resident is a GOP elector this year, a position he also held four years ago. "People need to remember we are a republic," Atkinson said. "This is the best way to be represented in a republic. "Our forefathers had great wisdom," he added. "It gives a state with few people a voice. Otherwise, we�re a small state with a small population that would never be heard. Presidential candidates would never land in Oregon." Medford resident Barbara Davidson, a Democratic party elector and unsuccessful legislative candidate, urges caution before any changes are made in the system. "There is so much in the U.S. Constitution that shows very wise insight by our founding fathers," she added. "The process they put into place seems so good. We need to look at changes, but I�d be hesitant to do away with it." Article 2 of the Constitution provides that each state shall appoint as many presidential electors as that state has members of Congress. Oregon has seven members. Electors are chosen by their political parties. On Dec. 18, the seven electors will meet in Salem to vote. If Gore wins Oregon in the final official tally, the Democratic electors will vote. GOP electors will make the decision if Bush wins the Oregon vote. Stathos said that while the Electoral College does protect smaller states, there are several problems, including the winner-take-all system of allocating electoral votes. "Think about California," he said of a state with 52 electors. "If 51 percent went one way, you are saying the vote of the 49 percent who went the other way doesn�t count. There is also the possibility that a chosen elector will not vote for his or her party�s choice, he said. "In 1960, we did not have to vote for the winner," Stathos said. "I had tremendous pressure on me, due to the fact Kennedy had won. I got all kinds of telegrams and phone calls." Forty years ago, Stathos fired off a letter to national GOP and Democratic party leaders, urging them to work to change the Electoral College. "Just about everybody is for changing to a straight popular vote until the election is over," he said. "Then they forget about it for the next four years." While Stathos hopes the situation in Florida will cause many to support a change in the way votes are counted, he has confidence the system will work, electoral warts and all. "Nobody likes this turmoil," he said. "But, on the other hand, everyone is following the legal procedure. There is no military involved. I think that�s a favorable reflection of our democracy. Everyone wants it settled fairly." Atkinson agreed. "We�re a country of great resolve," Atkinson said. "We�ll come out of this just fine. But I am concerned if this lingers on too long." Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.