What Happens if the Presidential Election Ends in a Tie?

[enigma]

According to statesticians, based on the most recent polls and the margins of error, there is a ~4% chance of a tie in the electoral college.

A buddy of mine and I have been giggling about this for a few days.

If there is a tie (or if Nader somehow gets a few electoral votes and Bush/Kerry remain close), since no candidate will have a majority, it'll go to Congress.

The House chooses the President. The Senate chooses the VP.

How would you like to see Bush and Edwards in the White House?

Even better, how much should they charge to watch Cheney's head explode?

 

[Gokul43201]

So there about a 5% chance that we'll all be waiting for Hawaii to decide the winner this time !

 

[Gokul43201]

According to statesticians, based on the most recent polls and the margins of error, there is a ~4% chance of a tie in the electoral college.

A buddy of mine and I have been giggling about this for a few days.

If there is a tie (or if Nader somehow gets a few electoral votes and Bush/Kerry remain close), since no candidate will have a majority, it'll go to Congress.

The House chooses the President. The Senate chooses the VP.

This hasn't happened in some 200 years now, what ?

 

[graphic7]

If I recall correctly, it happened during the second election. Adams vs. Jefferson. Jefferson actually became the vice president to John Quincy. This was one of the only, if only, administrations to contain leaders from two different parties.

 

[check]

That would be great! (Bush/Edwards)
Unfortunately it doesn't look like there's going to be a Democratic majority in The Senate.

 

[franznietzsche]

That would be great! (Bush/Edwards)
Unfortunately it doesn't look like there's going to be a Democratic majority in The Senate.

Imagine Kerry/Cheney...or would it be better said Cheney/Kerry?

 

[enigma]

Well, Kerry/Cheney won't happen, because the Democrats don't have control of the House.

I thought that the Dems were supposed to maintain marginal control of the Senate... ?

 

[franznietzsche]

Well, Kerry/Cheney won't happen, because the Democrats don't have control of the House.

I thought that the Dems were supposed to maintain marginal control of the Senate... ?

But still, it would be entertaining.

Hence why it would be Bush/Edwards.

 

[Gokul43201]

Well, Kerry/Cheney won't happen, because the Democrats don't have control of the House.

I thought that the Dems were supposed to maintain marginal control of the Senate... ?

They have a chance, but it's going to be very tough.

The "too close to call" states in the Senate race right now are : South Dakota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida - where Democrats retired - Alaska, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Colorado - where GOP senators resigned.

Democrats need to win 7 of these 9 states for a majoirty.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

This morning, CNN mentioned one possibility in which neither Bush or Kerry get the required majority - this is after the vote has gone to Congress - and Edwards ends up as the acting President!

I guess the three states having Senators from opposing parties could cause this scenario, however unlikely it may be.

 

[check]

This morning, CNN mentioned one possibility in which neither Bush or Kerry get the required majority - this is after the vote has gone to Congress - and Edwards ends up as the acting President!

Now THAT would be awesome. lol