Blue Wall Former Governors on the Battle Lines and Their Fears of Election Certification Chaos
Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri
Deep Dive
Why did former governors Tom Corbett and Jim Blanchard issue a joint letter urging current governors to certify election results by the December 11th deadline?
They aimed to prevent any attempts to override election results, similar to the pressure applied in 2020, and to educate both governors and the public about the mandatory nature of certification under the Election Count Reform Act of 2022.
What are the key counties in Pennsylvania that Governor Tom Corbett will be monitoring on election night?
He will be looking at Philadelphia County, Allegheny County, and about six other counties to gauge the election results.
How does Governor Jim Blanchard assess the early voting figures in Michigan?
He notes that early voting figures suggest a high level of interest and participation, with more women and older voters casting their ballots early.
What is Governor Tom Corbett's view on whether Kamala Harris can match President Obama's support among rural and urban voters in Pennsylvania?
He believes Harris will face difficulties due to her association with the prior administration and her record, which may not resonate as well with certain segments of the electorate.
What concerns do the former governors have about the potential for election certification chaos in 2024?
They are concerned about the possibility of governors in non-battleground states delaying the certification process under pressure or for political gain, which could disrupt the timely tabulation of the Electoral College results.
How does Governor Jim Blanchard view the role of women voters in Michigan's election outcome?
He believes women voters, particularly those who support Harris decisively and vote in higher percentages than men, will be a critical factor in determining the election outcome.
What is Governor Tom Corbett's assessment of the ground game for the Harris campaign in Pennsylvania?
He observes a stronger ground game for the Harris campaign, particularly in terms of yard signs and local engagement, compared to the Trump campaign in 2016.
What does Governor Jim Blanchard think about the Republican Party's structure in Michigan?
He notes that the Republican Party in Michigan has struggled to recover from the losses incurred by running election deniers, resulting in a weakened organizational structure compared to the Democrats.
What is Governor Tom Corbett's prediction for the margin of victory in Pennsylvania's election?
He hopes the winning candidate will secure at least a 40,000 to 50,000 vote margin, though he acknowledges the race may be close.
How do the former governors plan to ensure a smooth election certification process in 2024?
They intend to use their legal powers and continue their bipartisan efforts to educate governors and the public about the mandatory nature of certification, ensuring a timely and orderly process.
- Governors must certify election results by December 11th.
- The Election Count Reform Act of 2022 clarifies that certification is a ministerial duty.
- Public awareness is crucial to prevent governors from altering election results.
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