HOUSE APPROVES ELECTORAL COLLEGE SYSTEM CHANGE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 12, 1992                   TAG: 9202120266
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short
HOUSE APPROVES ELECTORAL COLLEGE SYSTEM CHANGE
The House narrowly approved a bill Tuesday changing the Electoral College system in a way that would likely help the Democratic presidential candidate this fall.
On a 54-44 vote, largely along party lines, the House passed the bill changing the winner-take-all Electoral College process in Virginia.
Under the proposal by Del. James Scott, D-Merrifield, the presidential candidate who wins the most congressional districts would get two votes. Each candidate also would get one vote for each district he carries.
The bill would likely boost the Democratic presidential nominee since Virginia's 13 electoral votes usually all go to the Republican candidate. At least a couple of the state's 11 congressional districts likely will vote Democratic in the November presidential election.
The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry Virginia was Lyndon Johnson in 1964.
Del. Roger McClure, R-Centreville, said the winner-take-all system used in 48 states has worked well.
"Do not assume you have greater wisdom than our founding fathers," McClure said.
"We have an amendment process because we recognize that times and needs change," said Del. Howard Copeland, D-Norfolk. He said the change would more accurately reflect the will of Virginia voters.
Keywords:
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by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB