Mauro's a College Man

Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro,a Democrat, doesn't like the constitutional end run around the Electoral College being considered by the Legislature. He likes the presidential process as-is, with Iowa playing an influential role in national politics.

Radio Iowa's O. Kay Henderson has the goods.

Senate File 227 would hand Iowa's electoral votes to the national popular vote winner, even if that nominee fails to win Iowa. It's passed a Senate committee, but I think it's headed for the scrap heap.

UPDATE -- Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, weighs in at this hour:

A Statement from Senate Majority Leader Mike GronstalRegarding reforms designed to ensure that every Iowa vote is counted"I support the popular vote reforms because they will ensure that every Iowan's vote is counted in presidential elections. It is mystifying to me why anyone would cling to an antiquated, winner-take-all Electoral College system that allows a person to be elected to the Presidency without winning the most popular votes nationwide. The popular vote reforms will fix this problem and make sure that every Iowan's vote is counted in every election."In addition, as a member of the Democratic National Committee, I am confident that Iowa will retain its first-in-the-nation caucus status if we adopt the National Popular Vote Act."

Regarding reforms designed to ensure that every Iowa vote is counted

"I support the popular vote reforms because they will ensure that every Iowan's vote is counted in presidential elections. It is mystifying to me why anyone would cling to an antiquated, winner-take-all Electoral College system that allows a person to be elected to the Presidency without winning the most popular votes nationwide. The popular vote reforms will fix this problem and make sure that every Iowan's vote is counted in every election.

"In addition, as a member of the Democratic National Committee, I am confident that Iowa will retain its first-in-the-nation caucus status if we adopt the National Popular Vote Act."

Perhaps I spoke too soon about the scrap heap. But I still don't get a sense that this has broad support.

I, too, think the system is antiquated, but this is not how you change the U.S. Constitution. You formally amend it.

UPDATE II -- Now

Gov. Culver is on record in opposition. Scrap heap here it comes.