There Ain't No Place Like Nebraska (Well, except Maine)

John McCain won the overall popular vote for President in Nebraska, and also won it in two of the three Congressional Districts. He is therefore going to get 4 out of 5 of the state's Electoral College - two for winning statewide vote, and two for each Congressional District he won, with Barack Obama taking one.

This makes more sense than the "winner take all" system in 48 states. After all, when a bill is passed in Congress, the people have been represented both individually and collectively:

• Each individual is represented by one House Representative
• Each state is represented by two Senators.

Let's say every state has the Nebraska/Maine system of electing Presidents. When the President signs a law, he does so with the consent of the people who put him in office both individually and collectively as states:

• Each individual is represented by one Electoral vote
• Each state is represented by two Electoral votes

Actually, I'd take it one step further, and have members of the Electoral College run as individuals. On the ballot, voters will see a list of candidates for the Electoral College representing the Congressional District, and will be instructed to vote for only one. Then they will see a list of candidates running for the Electoral College statewide, and will be asked to vote for two (although they can just vote for one if they desire). The two top vote-getters in the statewide Electoral College election will become Electors, as will the top vote-getter in the District elections. Those who are on the ballot for Elector could be identified by party, but wouldn't be legally-bound as Electors to support their party's candidate - especially if a scandal erupts before the general election and the Electoral College vote for President.

The Electoral College would therefore be elected just like Congress is elected, and would have an independent authority of its own. What if one party's Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees die after the general election? Members of the Electoral College will have the authority to select replacements to vote for, and have the consent of the people to do so.

It's just another way to improve the republican form of government without making having to pass a Constitutional Amendment.