thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-04--Trump campaign sues to stop Pennsylvania mail-in ballot counting

President Trump 's campaign is going to court to stop mail-in votes from being counted in Pennsylvania on the grounds that the process lacks transparency .
The legal wrangling could delay the outcome of the election for several days .
Trump deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said Wednesday that the president 's team is separately filing suit to `` stop Democrat election officials from hiding the ballot counting and processing from our Republican poll observers — observers whose only job is to make sure every valid ballot is counted , and counted once . ''
The Biden campaign projects that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once all of the mail-in ballots are counted , prompting Trump to accuse the Democrats of fraudulently manufacturing votes .
`` Bad things are happening in Pennsylvania , '' Clark said in a lengthy statement .
`` Democrats are scheming to disenfranchise and dilute Republican votes .
President Trump and his team are fighting to put a stop to it . ''
Those two lawsuits are part of wide-ranging legal action that the Trump campaign is taking in Pennsylvania as the state slowly counts a historic amount of mail-in ballots that skew heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College map appears to be shaking out , Pennsylvania looks to be a must-win state for the president .
The Trump campaign is contesting Pennsylvania rules that allow for late-arriving mail-in ballots to be counted if postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday .
The campaign is also taking legal action to throw out votes that it claims were not accompanied by appropriate voter identification , as it claims is required under federal law .
`` The Trump Campaign is also suing to stop Pennsylvania Democrats from breaking the very law that helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act , '' Clark said .
`` While HAVA requires that states ensure certain first-time voters provide identification in order to vote , Secretary [ Kathy ] Boockvar — three days ago — re-wrote Pennsylvania Election Code to abuse her unilateral executive fiat and move the deadline for absentee and mail-in voters to provide missing proof of identification well past the deadline . ''

President Trump's campaign is going to court to stop mail-in votes from being counted in Pennsylvania on the grounds that the process lacks transparency. The legal wrangling could delay the outcome of the election for several days.
Trump deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said Wednesday that the president's team is separately filing suit to "stop Democrat election officials from hiding the ballot counting and processing from our Republican poll observers — observers whose only job is to make sure every valid ballot is counted, and counted once." The Biden campaign projects that the former vice president will win Pennsylvania once all of the mail-in ballots are counted, prompting Trump to accuse the Democrats of fraudulently manufacturing votes.
"Bad things are happening in Pennsylvania," Clark said in a lengthy statement. "Democrats are scheming to disenfranchise and dilute Republican votes. President Trump and his team are fighting to put a stop to it."
Those two lawsuits are part of wide-ranging legal action that the Trump campaign is taking in Pennsylvania as the state slowly counts a historic amount of mail-in ballots that skew heavily Democratic. Based on how the Electoral College map appears to be shaking out, Pennsylvania looks to be a must-win state for the president.
The Trump campaign is contesting Pennsylvania rules that allow for late-arriving mail-in ballots to be counted if postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday. The campaign is also taking legal action to throw out votes that it claims were not accompanied by appropriate voter identification, as it claims is required under federal law.
"The Trump Campaign is also suing to stop Pennsylvania Democrats from breaking the very law that helps America vote — the Help America Vote Act," Clark said. "While HAVA requires that states ensure certain first-time voters provide identification in order to vote, Secretary [Kathy] Boockvar — three days ago — re-wrote Pennsylvania Election Code to abuse her unilateral executive fiat and move the deadline for absentee and mail-in voters to provide missing proof of identification well past the deadline."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-04--Mark Levin couldn’t wait for radio show to rip media’s election coverage: ‘Assists the Biden campaig

Mark Levin couldn’t wait for radio show to rip media’s election coverage: ‘Assists the Biden campaign'

Conservative radio show host Mark Levin said he couldn ’ t wait for his show to begin this evening to slam media outlets for election coverage that “ assists the Biden campaign.
” “ I thought about waiting until my radio show to state this , but it must be said now : All night and this morning , the media are playing with the electoral map and their declarations of who won what states , and in virtually every case it assists the Biden campaign , ” Levin tweeted Wednesday .
“ North Carolina , Georgia , Alaska should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he wrote .
`` There was no legitimate reason to call Arizona early for Biden with so much of the vote out .
There was no reason to sit on Florida and Ohio for hours when those outcomes were quite clear .
The purpose is to make it appear that the President is not close to the 270 electoral vote number to win the presidency and to make it appear that the President was never going to be re-elected.
” The Trump campaign and allies of the president were outraged after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Election Day , saying it was too early to do so .
“ Arizona , we have a lot of life in that , and somebody said , somebody declared it was a victory for , and maybe it will be .
I mean , that ’ s possible , ” the president said in his election night address .
“ But certainly , there were a lot of votes out there that we could get because we ’ re now just coming into what they call Trump territory.
” Levin then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was not unusual that there were delays in counting mail-in votes from cities such as Philadelphia .
“ And you can see all the delays through the night and beyond , waiting for mail-in votes — Philadelphia , Atlanta , Milwaukee , Detroit , etc .
This is followed by commentators telling us that there 's nothing unusual about all of this .
Delays in counting votes happens all the time , ” he wrote .
“ Really , we 've experienced this before ?
In all these states ?
Nonsense .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in states for months to change existing election laws to help Biden and the Democrats.
” “ They set in place the mail-in voting chaos , some states literally a few months ago , ” he said .
Ballots are still being tabulated in several swing states , such as Michigan , North Carolina , and Pennsylvania , with no winner being declared as of Wednesday afternoon .

Conservative radio show host Mark Levin said he couldn’t wait for his show to begin this evening to slam media outlets for election coverage that “assists the Biden campaign.”
“I thought about waiting until my radio show to state this, but it must be said now: All night and this morning, the media are playing with the electoral map and their declarations of who won what states, and in virtually every case it assists the Biden campaign,” Levin tweeted Wednesday.
2. North Carolina, Georgia, Alaska should all be called now for President Trump. There was no legitimate reason to call Arizona early for Biden with so much of the vote out. There was no reason to sit on Florida and Ohio for hours when those outcomes were quite clear. — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 4, 2020
“North Carolina, Georgia, Alaska should all be called now for President Trump," he wrote. "There was no legitimate reason to call Arizona early for Biden with so much of the vote out. There was no reason to sit on Florida and Ohio for hours when those outcomes were quite clear. The purpose is to make it appear that the President is not close to the 270 electoral vote number to win the presidency and to make it appear that the President was never going to be re-elected.”
The Trump campaign and allies of the president were outraged after Fox News called Arizona for Joe Biden on Election Day, saying it was too early to do so.
“Arizona, we have a lot of life in that, and somebody said, somebody declared it was a victory for, and maybe it will be. I mean, that’s possible,” the president said in his election night address. “But certainly, there were a lot of votes out there that we could get because we’re now just coming into what they call Trump territory.”
4. And you can see all the delays through the night and beyond, waiting for mail-in votes -- Philadelphia, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Detroit, etc. This is followed by commentators telling us that there's nothing unusual about all of this. Delays in counting votes happens all the time — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 4, 2020
Levin then took issue with pundits telling the public it was not unusual that there were delays in counting mail-in votes from cities such as Philadelphia.
“And you can see all the delays through the night and beyond, waiting for mail-in votes — Philadelphia, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Detroit, etc. This is followed by commentators telling us that there's nothing unusual about all of this. Delays in counting votes happens all the time,” he wrote.
“Really, we've experienced this before? In all these states? Nonsense. Meanwhile, the Democrats have been litigating in states for months to change existing election laws to help Biden and the Democrats.”
“They set in place the mail-in voting chaos, some states literally a few months ago,” he said.
6. They set in place the mail-in voting chaos, some states literally a few months ago. — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 4, 2020
Ballots are still being tabulated in several swing states, such as Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with no winner being declared as of Wednesday afternoon.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--'Chill Donald, Chill!': 17-year-old Greta Thunberg uses Twitter jab to hit Trump on stopping the vot

'Chill Donald, Chill!': 17-year-old Greta Thunberg uses Twitter jab to hit Trump on stopping the vote count

President Trump got some unsolicited election advice Thursday from teenage environmental activist and progressive darling Greta Thunberg , who used the leader of the free world 's 11-month-old comment telling her to `` chill '' against him .
Thunberg recalled a December 2019 message from the president that instructed her to `` chill '' and work on her `` anger management '' in response to a Thursday tweet from Trump demanding the vote count in several key battleground states be halted .
`` So ridiculous , '' Thunberg said .
`` Donald must work on his Anger Management problem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie with a friend !
Chill Donald , Chill ! ''
Trump is demanding the vote counts in Pennsylvania , Michigan , Georgia , Nevada , and Arizona be halted until poll watchers can monitor the vote count in the states that will decide the winner of the 2020 election .
Allies of Trump have claimed voting irregularities and questioned the length it has taken election officials in the states to process ballots .
Trump alleged vote counting impropriety at a Thursday press conference in a number of states before being censored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claims in his speech as `` untrue . ''
Trump and Thunberg have participated in a long-running feud waged across social media and famously in person during a now-viral clip that showed the teenager staring down Trump as he entered a 2019 United Nations meeting in New York .

President Trump got some unsolicited election advice Thursday from teenage environmental activist and progressive darling Greta Thunberg, who used the leader of the free world's 11-month-old comment telling her to "chill" against him.
Thunberg recalled a December 2019 message from the president that instructed her to "chill" and work on her "anger management" in response to a Thursday tweet from Trump demanding the vote count in several key battleground states be halted.
"So ridiculous," Thunberg said. "Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill!"
So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill! https://t.co/4RNVBqRYBA — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) November 5, 2020
Trump is demanding the vote counts in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona be halted until poll watchers can monitor the vote count in the states that will decide the winner of the 2020 election. Allies of Trump have claimed voting irregularities and questioned the length it has taken election officials in the states to process ballots.
Trump alleged vote counting impropriety at a Thursday press conference in a number of states before being censored by MSNBC and CNBC, which each labeled the claims in his speech as "untrue."
Trump and Thunberg have participated in a long-running feud waged across social media and famously in person during a now-viral clip that showed the teenager staring down Trump as he entered a 2019 United Nations meeting in New York.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--When will we have a president-elect? Here's what you need to know

There will be a president-elect by mid-December but not before considerable fighting and legal wrangling over the results in multiple closely contested battleground states , as the race for the White House remains unresolved two days after Election Day and counting .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has become the prohibitive favorite to secure an Electoral College majority as he appears to sit just six votes away from the required 270 and trends in most of the four remaining uncalled states are favorable to him .
President Trump is still narrowly ahead in three of those states , while Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth .
There also remain enough uncounted ballots in Arizona , which the Associated Press called for Biden , to swing its 11 electoral votes to Trump .
Holding Arizona plus a victory in any of the uncalled states could hand Biden the presidency , but the media tallies are unofficial .
No electoral votes have formally been awarded yet .
The results in each state have to be certified .
The Trump campaign has now filed lawsuits challenging aspects of the counting process in multiple states , in addition to requesting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , Georgia , Pennsylvania , and Arizona could all still swing based on uncounted votes .
“ IF YOU COUNT THE LEGAL VOTES , I EASILY WIN THE ELECTION !
IF YOU COUNT THE ILLEGAL AND LATE VOTES , THEY CAN STEAL THE ELECTION FROM US !
” Trump said in a statement ( emphasis in the original ) , while Biden tweeted , “ Be patient , folks .
Votes are being counted , and we feel good about where we are.
” Even after the counts are complete , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way through the states ' and or federal court systems , potentially going all the way up to the Supreme Court , though that would only happen on appeal and if the justices agreed to hear the case .
The Trump campaign is seeking to enforce state rules against accepting ballots after Election Day , where applicable , and ensure clear postmarks on mail-in ballots .
They also want to guarantee that Republican election observers are allowed access to the counts .
On Thursday , the Trump campaign won a favorable ruling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which it touted as “ a major victory for election integrity , election transparency , all Pennsylvania voters , and the rule of law.
” But the Trump team was rebuffed on ballot challenges in Georgia and Michigan the same day .
Even as this barrage of lawsuits began , the full Trump legal strategy is still taking shape , and much of the battle remains in the court of public opinion .
`` Exactly what the president said would happen is happening , '' said Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stealing all over the country every night .
We go to bed with a lead , and every night , new votes mysteriously are found in a sack . ''
The interruption of vote counting in several states where Trump led on election night , followed by a lead change after the resumption of counting , has aroused suspicions among the president and his supporters .
Far more early and mail-in voting took place in this election than ever before due to the ongoing pandemic .
Some states , including Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processed before Election Day , which has contributed to the delays .
Trump has made no secret of his distrust for this process , and some have questioned whether certain states have the infrastructure in place to process all these ballots accurately in a timely manner .
The 2000 recount battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore lasted 36 days , and unlike the Trump-Biden impasse , it concerned only a single state .
The Supreme Court handed down the Bush v. Gore decision , which left Bush with the lead in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided the election , on Dec. 12 .
Gore conceded on Dec. 13 .
“ Now , the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken .
Let there be no doubt , while I strongly disagree with the court 's decision , I accept it , ” Gore said .
“ I accept the finality of this outcome , which will be ratified next Monday in the Electoral College .
And tonight , for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy , I offer my concession.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part because it was a 5-4 ruling with the conservative justices , all nominated by Republican presidents , finding in favor of Bush .
The Supreme Court now has a 6-3 majority of conservatives nominated by Republicans , three of them Trump appointees .
Trump has said he never discussed election lawsuits with the most recent of these , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , and has indicated he would respect a Supreme Court decision saying he had lost .
This year , the first real deadlines are a bit earlier than in 2000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their votes in each state on Dec. 14 , as federal law requires this to happen on Monday after the second Wednesday in December of presidential election years .
But the law also mandates a “ safe harbor ” of six days before this whereby states must have their slates of electors set , meaning any contested state election would have to be resolved by Dec. 8 .
Congress could change these laws , as the Constitution leaves all these specifics up to lawmakers .
But with different parties controlling each house and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw out the process , this is extremely unlikely .
Electoral votes have to be transmitted to Congress no later than Dec. 23 .
Then Congress meets in a joint session on Jan. 6 , 2021 , to certify the results , which would appear to be the last possible date at which anything could be contested .
Vice President Mike Pence , as the constitutional president of the Senate , would preside over this session .
Based on past precedent , however , the Supreme Court would likely want to decide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , any outstanding lawsuits that might swing the election before the states decide on their electors on Dec. 8 .
A series of unfavorable court rulings before that , combined with Biden ’ s growing national popular vote advantage , could increase pressure on Trump to concede unless something significant changes in the ongoing counts .
The Trump campaign has said it has devoted “ absolute legal killers ” to the election fight .
The Biden campaign is equally braced for a legal battle .
`` We 're winning the election .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to defend that election , ” said Bob Bauer , former White House counsel under Barack Obama and an attorney for the Biden campaign .

There will be a president-elect by mid-December, but not before considerable fighting and legal wrangling over the results in multiple closely contested battleground states, as the race for the White House remains unresolved three days after Election Day and counting.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has become the prohibitive favorite to secure an Electoral College majority as he appears to sit just six votes away from the required 270 and trends in most of the four remaining uncalled states are favorable to him. President Trump is still narrowly ahead in three of those states, while Biden clings to a slim lead in the fourth. There also remain enough uncounted ballots in Arizona, which the Associated Press called for Biden, to swing its 11 electoral votes potentially to Trump.
Holding Arizona plus a victory in any of the uncalled states could hand Biden the presidency, but the media tallies are unofficial. No electoral votes have formally been awarded yet. The results in each state have to be certified. The Trump campaign has now filed lawsuits challenging aspects of the counting process in multiple states, in addition to requesting a recount in Wisconsin. Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona could all still swing based on uncounted votes.
“IF YOU COUNT THE LEGAL VOTES, I EASILY WIN THE ELECTION! IF YOU COUNT THE ILLEGAL AND LATE VOTES, THEY CAN STEAL THE ELECTION FROM US!” Trump said in a statement (emphasis in the original), while Biden tweeted, “Be patient, folks. Votes are being counted, and we feel good about where we are.”
Even after the counts are complete, the various lawsuits will have to work their way through the states' and or federal court systems, potentially going all the way up to the Supreme Court, though that would only happen on appeal and if the justices agreed to hear the case. The Trump campaign is seeking to enforce state rules against accepting ballots after Election Day, where applicable, and ensure clear postmarks on mail-in ballots. They also want to guarantee that Republican election observers are allowed access to the counts.
On Thursday, the Trump campaign won a favorable ruling on allowing its poll watchers access in Pennsylvania, which it touted as “a major victory for election integrity, election transparency, all Pennsylvania voters, and the rule of law.” But the Trump team was rebuffed on ballot challenges in Georgia and Michigan the same day. Even as this barrage of lawsuits began, the full Trump legal strategy is still taking shape, and much of the battle remains in the court of public opinion.
"Exactly what the president said would happen is happening," said Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien. "We see Democrats lying, cheating, stealing all over the country every night. We go to bed with a lead, and every night, new votes mysteriously are found in a sack."
The interruption of vote-counting in several states where Trump led on election night, followed by a lead change after the resumption of counting, has aroused suspicions among the president and his supporters.
Far more early and mail-in voting took place in this election than ever before due to the ongoing pandemic. Some states, including Pennsylvania, do not allow these ballots to be processed before Election Day, which has contributed to the delays. Trump has made no secret of his distrust for this process, and some have questioned whether certain states have the infrastructure in place to process all these ballots accurately in a timely manner.
The 2000 recount battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore lasted 36 days, and unlike the Trump-Biden impasse, it concerned only a single state. The Supreme Court handed down the Bush v. Gore decision, which left Bush with the lead in Florida, whose electoral votes decided the election, on Dec. 12. Gore conceded on Dec. 13.
“Now, the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken. Let there be no doubt, while I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it,” Gore said. “I accept the finality of this outcome, which will be ratified next Monday in the Electoral College. And tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.”
The Bush v. Gore decision was controversial in part because it was a 5-4 ruling with the conservative justices, all nominated by Republican presidents, finding in favor of Bush. The Supreme Court now has a 6-3 majority of conservatives nominated by Republicans, three of them Trump appointees. Trump has said he never discussed election lawsuits with the most recent of these, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, and has indicated he would respect a Supreme Court decision saying he had lost.
This year, the first real deadlines are a bit earlier than in 2000. Presidential electors will meet and cast their votes in each state on Dec. 14, as federal law requires this to happen on Monday after the second Wednesday in December of presidential election years. But the law also mandates a “safe harbor” of six days before this whereby states must have their slates of electors set, meaning any contested state election would have to be resolved by Dec. 8.
Congress could change these laws, as the Constitution leaves all these specifics up to lawmakers. But with different parties controlling each house and only the Republicans having an incentive to draw out the process, this is extremely unlikely.
Electoral votes have to be transmitted to Congress no later than Dec. 23. Then Congress meets in a joint session on Jan. 6, 2021, to certify the results, which would appear to be the last possible date at which anything could be contested. Vice President Mike Pence, as the constitutional president of the Senate, would preside over this session.
Based on past precedent, however, the Supreme Court would likely want to decide, or decline to grant an appeal on, any outstanding lawsuits that might swing the election before the states decide on their electors on Dec. 8. A series of unfavorable court rulings before that, combined with Biden’s growing national popular vote advantage, could increase pressure on Trump to concede unless something significant changes in the ongoing counts.
The Trump campaign has said it has devoted “absolute legal killers” to the election fight, according to top campaign official Jason Miller.
The Biden campaign is equally braced for a legal battle.
"We're winning the election. We've won the election. And we're going to defend that election,” said Bob Bauer, former White House counsel under Barack Obama and an attorney for the Biden campaign.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Trump campaign asks federal court to pause vote counting in Philadelphia

The Trump team asked a federal court to pause vote counting in Philadelphia over claims that poll watchers from the campaign and the Pennsylvania Republican Party were not being allowed to observe the ongoing vote count properly in the battleground state that could decide the election between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden .
“ This action is brought by Donald J. Trump for President , Inc. against the Philadelphia County Board County Board of Elections to seek an emergency injunction to prevent an ongoing violation of Plaintiff ’ s Constitutional rights , including at least the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign lawyers said in a short complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon .
“ Pennsylvania law as determined by the Commonwealth ’ s highest available court requires that representatives and poll watchers to be present and observe the canvassing of all mail-in and absentee ballots .
The County Board of Elections is aware of this Order but is intentionally refusing to allow any representatives and poll watchers for President Trump and the Republican Party .
The County Board of Elections is nonetheless continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by any representatives or poll watchers of President Trump and the Republican Party.
” Trump ’ s lawyers further claimed : “ The County Board of Elections is intentionally violating state law .
The County Board of Elections claims it is 'studying ' the Order .
It has been studying the Order for over an hour and a half , while counting continues with no Republicans present.
” And they called for the vote counting to be stopped `` so long as Republican observers are not present as required by state law.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court appointee of President George W. Bush , held a hearing between the Philadelphia board and the Trump campaign on Thursday evening , and the Trump campaign said that there were a “ non-zero ” number of GOP observers in the counting room , though it insisted it was being denied parity with the number of Democratic observers .
“ I would really urge you all to try and be reasonable , ” Diamond told the parties at one point , adding , ” the next few days , if not weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more heat than light generated.
” At the judge 's urging , the Trump campaign and the Philadelphia lawyers eventually agreed on 60 observers for each side .
As of late Thursday afternoon , Pennsylvania appeared too close to project a winner .
With 88 % of votes in , the Associated Press said Trump was sitting at 3,243,520 votes counted , while Biden had received 3,150,093 so far .
The New York Times said that , with 93 % of the votes reported in the state , Trump had received 50.1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gotten 48.7 % .
The legal maneuver in Philadelphia by the Trump team to get the federal courts involved is just the latest in a flurry of litigation in Pennsylvania .
Notably , the Trump campaign had been pushing the Philadelphia board to allow its in-person poll watchers to watch the mail-in vote count more closely , which the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas had initially rejected .
“ The Petitioner ’ s witness provided copious testimony as to his ability to observe the opening and sorting of ballots .
His concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing on the outside of the ballots .
Given that observers are directed only to observe and not to audit ballots , we conclude , based on the witness ’ s testimony , that the Board of Elections has complied with the observation .
requirements , ” the court had ruled on Wednesday .
“ We , however , would not discourage the Board from considering the implementation of arrangements to allow for an additional corridor for observation along the side of the canvassing tables if feasible — subject to spatial distancing under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania sided with the Trump campaign on Thursday .
“ It is hereby ordered that the November 4 , 2020 order of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County denying Appeallant ’ s oral motion to allow closer observation of the canvassing of ballots is reversed , ” the higher state court said .
“ The matter is remanded to the trial court to enter an order not later than 10:30 AM today , November 5 , 2020 , effectively immediately , requiring that all candidates , watchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be present for the canvassing process … and be permitted to observe all aspects of the canvassing process within 6 feet , while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols , including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
” The Philadelphia County Board of Elections then appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court , claiming , “ Here , became Commonwealth Court is wrong , and because it jeopardizes both the safety the City Defendants ’ canvass , plus the privacy of voters , immediate allowance of appeal is warranted.
” The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but did not make an immediate ruling in anyone ’ s favor .
On Wednesday , Trump ’ s campaign called upon the United States Supreme Court to take up and rule on a case related to Pennsylvania 's high court allowing the extension of the counting of mail-in ballots to three days after Election Day as long as they were postmarked by the time polls closed .
“ The United States Constitution is clear on this issue : the legislature sets the time , place , and manner of elections in America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Trump deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said .
`` As the President has rightly said , the Supreme Court must resolve this crucial contested legal question , so President Trump ’ s Campaign is moving to intervene in the existing Supreme Court litigation over the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ’ s unlawful extension of the mail-in ballot receipt deadline.
” Biden campaign manager Jen O ’ Malley Dillon said Thursday that “ our data shows that Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States ” and “ because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows he ’ s losing , Donald Trump continues to push a flailing strategy designed to prevent people ’ s votes from being counted.
” “ President Trump has won Pennsylvania , ” Trump 's personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , claimed during a Philadelphia press conference on Wednesday , echoing the repeated claims from many Trump campaign advisers .
No winner has yet been declared in the state worth 20 crucial electoral votes .

The Trump team asked a federal court to pause vote counting in Philadelphia over claims that poll watchers from the campaign and the Pennsylvania Republican Party were not being allowed to observe the ongoing vote count properly in the battleground state that could decide the election between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.
“This action is brought by Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. against the Philadelphia County Board County Board of Elections to seek an emergency injunction to prevent an ongoing violation of Plaintiff’s Constitutional rights, including at least the right to Due Process,” the Trump campaign lawyers said in a short complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon. “Pennsylvania law as determined by the Commonwealth’s highest available court requires that representatives and poll watchers to be present and observe the canvassing of all mail-in and absentee ballots. The County Board of Elections is aware of this Order but is intentionally refusing to allow any representatives and poll watchers for President Trump and the Republican Party. The County Board of Elections is nonetheless continuing to count ballots, without any observation by any representatives or poll watchers of President Trump and the Republican Party.”
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
Trump’s lawyers further claimed: “The County Board of Elections is intentionally violating state law. The County Board of Elections claims it is 'studying' the Order. It has been studying the Order for over an hour and a half, while counting continues with no Republicans present.” And they called for the vote counting to be stopped "so long as Republican observers are not present as required by state law.”
Judge Paul Steven Diamond, a federal court appointee of President George W. Bush, held a hearing between the Philadelphia board and the Trump campaign on Thursday evening, and the Trump campaign said that there were a “non-zero” number of GOP observers in the counting room, though it insisted it was being denied parity with the number of Democratic observers.
“I would really urge you all to try and be reasonable,” Diamond told the parties at one point, adding, ”the next few days, if not weeks, there’s going to a lot more heat than light generated.”
At the judge's urging, the Trump campaign and the Philadelphia lawyers eventually agreed on 60 observers for each side.
“The federal court denied the Trump campaign’s motion. The City Board of Elections agreed to keep the barrier for all observers where it is — at 6 feet for now, and to continue to admit observers in compliance with the law, but no more than 60 per side,” the Philadelphia City Commissioners Office said after the hearing. “The President and his campaign representatives had falsely claimed throughout the day that their representatives were not allowed in the room. But their counsel admitted at the hearing, after questions from the court, that they had several representatives in the room.”
Diamond released an order on Thursday night that said that, “as stated during today’s Emergency Injunction Hearing, in light of the Parties’ agreement, Plaintiff’s Motion is DENIED without prejudice.”
As of late Thursday afternoon, Pennsylvania appeared too close to project a winner. With 88% of votes in, the Associated Press said Trump was sitting at 3,243,520 votes counted, while Biden had received 3,150,093 so far. The New York Times said that, with 93% of the votes reported in the state, Trump had received 50.1% of the vote, and Biden had gotten 48.7%.
The legal maneuver in Philadelphia by the Trump team to get the federal courts involved is just the latest in a flurry of litigation in Pennsylvania.
Notably, the Trump campaign had been pushing the Philadelphia board to allow its in-person poll watchers to watch the mail-in vote count more closely, which the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas had initially rejected.
“The Petitioner’s witness provided copious testimony as to his ability to observe the opening and sorting of ballots. His concerns pertained to his ability to observe the writing on the outside of the ballots. Given that observers are directed only to observe and not to audit ballots, we conclude, based on the witness’s testimony, that the Board of Elections has complied with the observation. requirements,” the court had ruled on Wednesday. “We, however, would not discourage the Board from considering the implementation of arrangements to allow for an additional corridor for observation along the side of the canvassing tables if feasible — subject to spatial distancing under COVID-19 and voting privacy requirements.”
But the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania sided with the Trump campaign on Thursday.
“It is hereby ordered that the November 4, 2020 order of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County denying Appeallant’s oral motion to allow closer observation of the canvassing of ballots is reversed,” the higher state court said. “The matter is remanded to the trial court to enter an order not later than 10:30 AM today, November 5, 2020, effectively immediately, requiring that all candidates, watchers, or candidate representatives be permitted to be present for the canvassing process … and be permitted to observe all aspects of the canvassing process within 6 feet, while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.”
The Philadelphia County Board of Elections then appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, claiming, “Here, became Commonwealth Court is wrong, and because it jeopardizes both the safety the City Defendants’ canvass, plus the privacy of voters, immediate allowance of appeal is warranted.” The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed to take a look at the case but did not make an immediate ruling in anyone’s favor.
On Wednesday, Trump’s campaign called upon the United States Supreme Court to take up and rule on a case related to Pennsylvania's high court allowing the extension of the counting of mail-in ballots to three days after Election Day as long as they were postmarked by the time polls closed.
“The United States Constitution is clear on this issue: the legislature sets the time, place, and manner of elections in America, not state courts or executive officials," Trump deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said. "As the President has rightly said, the Supreme Court must resolve this crucial contested legal question, so President Trump’s Campaign is moving to intervene in the existing Supreme Court litigation over the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s unlawful extension of the mail-in ballot receipt deadline.”
Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon said Thursday that “our data shows that Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States” and “because he sees the same data we do and knows he’s losing, Donald Trump continues to push a flailing strategy designed to prevent people’s votes from being counted.”
“President Trump has won Pennsylvania,” Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, claimed during a Philadelphia press conference on Wednesday, echoing the repeated claims from many Trump campaign advisers.
No winner has yet been declared in the state worth 20 crucial electoral votes.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Trump and Biden split crucial Catholic vote, per exit polls

President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden fought to a draw in the battle for Catholic voters , a key constituency that in recent elections has sided with the winner of the race for the White House .
According to exit polls from the Associated Press , Trump received 50 % of the Catholic vote , equal to his performance four years ago and just a tick better than Biden ’ s 49 % .
The former vice president , who is Catholic , attends Mass regularly .
He did 3 percentage points better with Catholics than 2016 Democratic nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama edged out Republican nominee Mitt Romney with Catholics , 50 % to 48 % .
Four years earlier , Obama topped John McCain with these voters by 9 points — 54 % to 45 % .
In 2000 , George W. Bush was elected president while losing Catholics narrowly to Democrat Al Gore , 50 % to 47 % .
But four years later , Bush won Catholics 52 % to 47 % on his way to reelection over Democrat John Kerry .
In 2020 , an election not yet decided as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big over Biden with Protestants ( 61 % -38 % ) ; Mormons ( 71 % -24 % ) ; and “ other Christian ” groups ( 57 % -41 % ) .
The president also did better than his Democratic challenger with frequent churchgoers .
With voters who attend church once a month , Trump performed better than Biden by a margin of 53 % -45 % .
Those who attend a few times a month backed Trump over Biden 54 % -45 % .
Voters who attend weekly supported Trump over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did Biden run up the score over Trump ?
With voters who never attend church ( 63 % -35 % ) and with voters who attend a few times a year or less ( 52 % -47 % ) .
Among Jewish voters , Biden outpaced Trump by an overwhelming 68 % -30 % .
However , the president ’ s performance was historically high for a Republican nominee .

President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden fought to a draw in the battle for Catholic voters, a key constituency that in recent elections has sided with the winner of the race for the White House.
According to exit polls from the Associated Press, Trump received 50% of the Catholic vote, equal to his performance four years ago and just a tick better than Biden’s 49%. The former vice president, who is Catholic, attends Mass regularly. He did 3 percentage points better with Catholics than 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
In 2012, Barack Obama edged out Republican nominee Mitt Romney with Catholics, 50% to 48%. Four years earlier, Obama topped John McCain with these voters by 9 points — 54% to 45%. In 2000, George W. Bush was elected president while losing Catholics narrowly to Democrat Al Gore, 50% to 47%. But four years later, Bush won Catholics 52% to 47% on his way to reelection over Democrat John Kerry.
In 2020, an election not yet decided as mail-in votes are counted, Trump won big over Biden with Protestants (61%-38%); Mormons (71%-24%); and “other Christian” groups (57%-41%). The president also did better than his Democratic challenger with frequent churchgoers.
With voters who attend church once a month, Trump performed better than Biden by a margin of 53%-45%. Those who attend a few times a month backed Trump over Biden 54%-45%. Voters who attend weekly supported Trump over Biden 61%-37%. Where did Biden run up the score over Trump? With voters who never attend church (63%-35%) and with voters who attend a few times a year or less (52%-47%).
Among Jewish voters, Biden outpaced Trump by an overwhelming 68%-30%. However, the president’s performance was historically high for a Republican nominee.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--More women were elected to Congress than ever before on Tuesday

More women were elected to Congress on Election Day than in any previous year in the history of the United States .
The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University produced data Thursday showing a steady gain in female congressional seats and a marked rise in Republican women running for House or Senate in 2020 .
Between Democrats and Republicans , 127 women were elected to Congress , a 17-person gain from 2016 , with most of them being Democratic candidates .
Of the 127 female victors , 105 were Democrats , and 22 were Republicans .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic haul , Republican Rep. Michael McCaul , the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , said he was excited about the prospect of more women running for Congress in the Republican Party after seeing a rise in female Republican candidates .
“ We ’ ve been hearing for years now how Democrats are the party of women , but this election has proven that ’ s not true , '' McCaul told the Hill on Thursday .
`` We ’ ve got at least 12 new Republican women headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are hopeful to add even more once the final vote is tallied .
I ’ m excited to have all of these talented and impressive women joining our conference and would love to have their diverse experiences and perspectives on the House Foreign Affairs Committee . ''
Some of the top female Republican incumbents won tough races to stay in Congress .
Sens .
Joni Ernst in Iowa and Susan Collins in Maine hung on to defeat surging challengers , and Cynthia Lummis picked up the vacated seat left by Wyoming Sen. Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their seats .
Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally appears likely to lose to Democratic challenger and former astronaut Mark Kelly .
The number of women who ran for Congress in 2020 stood at 583 , which represents a 20 % uptick since 2016 .
Although the lion 's share of the record was set by Democratic women , more than 200 Republican women entered congressional races this year , nearly 75 % more than ran in 2016 , according to the CAWP .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both claimed victory in their first reelection bids .

More women were elected to Congress on Election Day than in any previous year in the history of the United States.
The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University produced data Thursday showing a steady gain in female congressional seats and a marked rise in Republican women running for House or Senate in 2020.
Between Democrats and Republicans, 127 women were elected to Congress, a 17-person gain from 2016, with most of them being Democratic candidates. Of the 127 female victors, 105 were Democrats, and 22 were Republicans.
Although the Republican number pales in comparison to the Democratic haul, Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was excited about the prospect of more women running for Congress in the Republican Party after seeing a rise in female Republican candidates.
“We’ve been hearing for years now how Democrats are the party of women, but this election has proven that’s not true," McCaul told the Hill on Thursday. "We’ve got at least 12 new Republican women headed to Washington next year, and we are hopeful to add even more once the final vote is tallied. I’m excited to have all of these talented and impressive women joining our conference and would love to have their diverse experiences and perspectives on the House Foreign Affairs Committee."
Some of the top female Republican incumbents won tough races to stay in Congress. Sens. Joni Ernst in Iowa and Susan Collins in Maine hung on to defeat surging challengers, and Cynthia Lummis picked up the vacated seat left by Wyoming Sen. Michael Enzi.
Not all Republicans held on to their seats.
Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally appears likely to lose to Democratic challenger and former astronaut Mark Kelly.
The number of women who ran for Congress in 2020 stood at 583, which represents a 20% uptick since 2016. Although the lion's share of the record was set by Democratic women, more than 200 Republican women entered congressional races this year, nearly 75% more than ran in 2016, according to the CAWP.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar, two of the most progressive representatives in Congress, both claimed victory in their first reelection bids.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Trump enjoys best showing with Hispanics for GOP nominee since 2004

No Republican nominee has done as well with Hispanic voters in 16 years as did President Trump in his contest with Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
According to exit polls from the Associated Press , Trump received 35 % of the Hispanic vote .
That amounted to 7 percentage points better than his abysmal showing with Hispanics four years ago and just 5 points behind the 40 % George W. Bush garnered in 2004 .
Trump ’ s improvement with Hispanic voters , a historically solid showing , helped him run competitively with Biden in key battleground states .
Indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states Trump could not afford to lose , his strong showing with Hispanic voters was integral to his victories in each .
In Florida , Trump received 47 % of the Hispanic vote , according to exit polling conducted by Edison Research and reported by the New York Times .
In Texas , where Republicans typically garner 35 % of the Hispanic vote , Trump received 40 % .
Trump wooed Hispanics throughout the campaign .
He ran targeted , Spanish-language television and radio advertising , and his “ Latinos for Trump ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant population of Hispanic people .
Nationally , his 35 % support from Hispanics outpaced 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney by 8 points and 2008 GOP nominee John McCain by 4 points .
Trump did better among Hispanic men ( 38 % ) and slightly lower among Hispanic women ( 32 % ) .
Biden received the backing of 63 % of Hispanic voters , a drop of 3 points compared to the Democratic nominee in 2016 , Hillary Clinton .
Meanwhile , it appears as though Trump did not make gains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the Associated Press exit polls , Trump received just 8 % of the black vote , equal to his performance with this group four years ago .
Broken down by gender , 12 % of black men backed Trump , compared to just 6 % of black women .
Biden was backed by 90 % of black voters , slightly higher than what Clinton achieved in 2016 .

No Republican nominee has done as well with Hispanic voters in 16 years as did President Trump in his contest with Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
According to exit polls from the Associated Press, Trump received 35% of the Hispanic vote. That amounted to 7 percentage points better than his abysmal showing with Hispanics four years ago and just 5 points behind the 40% George W. Bush garnered in 2004. Trump’s improvement with Hispanic voters, a historically solid showing, helped him run competitively with Biden in key battleground states.
Indeed, in Florida and Texas, swing states Trump could not afford to lose, his strong showing with Hispanic voters was integral to his victories in each. In Florida, Trump received 47% of the Hispanic vote, according to exit polling conducted by Edison Research and reported by the New York Times. In Texas, where Republicans typically garner 35% of the Hispanic vote, Trump received 40%.
Trump wooed Hispanics throughout the campaign. He ran targeted, Spanish-language television and radio advertising, and his “Latinos for Trump” coalition hosted special events in states with a significant population of Hispanic people. Nationally, his 35% support from Hispanics outpaced 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney by 8 points and 2008 GOP nominee John McCain by 4 points. Trump did better among Hispanic men (38%) and slightly lower among Hispanic women (32%).
Biden received the backing of 63% of Hispanic voters, a drop of 3 points compared to the Democratic nominee in 2016, Hillary Clinton.
Meanwhile, it appears as though Trump did not make gains among black voters despite concerted efforts. In the Associated Press exit polls, Trump received just 8% of the black vote, equal to his performance with this group four years ago. Broken down by gender, 12% of black men backed Trump, compared to just 6% of black women.
Biden was backed by 90% of black voters, slightly higher than what Clinton achieved in 2016.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Georgia judge dismisses Trump campaign lawsuit on absentee ballots in Chatham County

A Georgia judge on Thursday threw out a lawsuit filed by the state Republican Party and President Trump 's campaign @ @ @ @ @ County of mishandling absentee ballots .
The lawsuit was the first in what the Georgia @ @ @ @ @ dozen targeting counties that are busy counting more than 60,000 outstanding absentee ballots in the @ @ @ @ @ claimed that at least 53 ballots were potentially mishandled by the Chatham County Board of @ @ @ @ @ lies in coastal southeast Georgia and includes Savannah , typically leans left .
Chatham County @ @ @ @ @ did not give an explanation for why he dismissed the lawsuit .
County election officials @ @ @ @ @ that all 53 ballots had been received on time .
Georgia is the third state @ @ @ @ @ campaign has filed a lawsuit .
Michigan and Pennsylvania are the other two .
The @ @ @ @ @ recount in Wisconsin .
The Peach State , while once reliably conservative , recently became @ @ @ @ @ , particularly in the metro Atlanta area , have shifted .

A Georgia judge on Thursday threw out a lawsuit filed by the state Republican Party and President Trump's campaign that accused officials in Chatham County of mishandling absentee ballots.
The lawsuit was the first in what the Georgia GOP claimed would be a dozen targeting counties that are busy counting more than 60,000 outstanding absentee ballots in the battleground state.
The suit claimed that at least 53 ballots were potentially mishandled by the Chatham County Board of Elections. Chatham, which lies in coastal southeast Georgia and includes Savannah, typically leans left.
Chatham County Superior Court Judge James Bass did not give an explanation for why he dismissed the lawsuit.
County election officials testified during the one-hour hearing that all 53 ballots had been received on time.
Georgia is the third state in which the president's campaign has filed a lawsuit. Michigan and Pennsylvania are the other two. The campaign has asked for a recount in Wisconsin.
The Peach State, while once reliably conservative, recently became a battleground state as demographics, particularly in the metro Atlanta area, have shifted.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Michigan judge rules against Trump campaign lawsuit over handling of absentee ballots

A judge ruled against the Trump team ’ s legal effort seeking to force the Michigan secretary of state to direct local election officials to allow Trump campaign observers to watch ballots being opened and counted amid complaints about access to the absentee vote count process .
The court said that the facts were not enough to grant emergency relief , in part because it ’ s too late and the vote count is nearly complete in Michigan .
Judge Cynthia Stephens of Michigan ’ s Court of Appeals dealt the Trump campaign a defeat during a roughly hourlong Zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s campaign filed a complaint on Wednesday against Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson .
The plaintiffs were listed as both Donald Trump for President and Eric Ostegren , described as a registered voter in Michigan who was trained as an election challenger and was allegedly excluded from the counting board during the absentee voter ballot review process .
Trump 's team then filed a petition for immediate injunctive relief from the court .
`` The request for relief , as I understand it , is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling from the bench , adding that “ even if this relief were available , as opposed to when this suit was announced yesterday morning and the count was beginning — it was filed at 4 o ’ clock , at which point the count had largely proceeded , I am told — but as of this point , the essence of the count is completed.
” She also said she would issue an order Friday afternoon .
`` We are reviewing the Court ’ s published decision — which is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once that is issued , '' Thor Hearne , an attorney for the Trump campaign , told the Washington Examiner .
Edison Research , Fox News , CNN , ABC News , and other outlets projected on Wednesday afternoon that former Vice President Joe Biden would win Michigan .
Trump defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton there in 2016 .
Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien announced Wednesday morning that “ Trump ’ s campaign has not been provided with meaningful access to numerous counting locations to observe the opening of ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Michigan law ” and pointed to the “ extremely tight ” race in the state .
He said that the campaign had `` filed suit today in the Michigan Court of Claims to halt counting until meaningful access has been granted ” and called for a review of all ballots `` which were opened and counted while we did not have meaningful access . ''
Other legal filings from Trump ’ s campaign included an affidavit from poll watcher Jessica Connarn .
She alleged being approached by a Republican Party poll challenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers were instructing her to change the date of a ballot and to say falsely it had been received on Monday , the day before the election , instead of Thursday , which was the day after .
The Trump campaign also said there had not been proper video observation of ballot drop boxes that were created in October and asked for access to the footage .
Stephens said Thursday that “ the record before me , at best , is an assertion that the secretary of state has direct authority over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but she also noted that “ the secretary of state provides direction to the local officials ” and that those local officials were told to provide meaningful access .
The judge said that “ in this instance , where the issue is the day to day conduct of the vote count , the individuals who bear that responsibility … lies with the local election officials , so the relief that is being requested for the most part is completely unavailable through the secretary of state.
” “ I have no basis to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success on the merits … nor am I convinced that there is a clear legal duty of anyone who is before this court to manage this issue , '' the judge said .
Thor Hearne , a lawyer for the Trump campaign , argued , “ The relief we ’ re asking this court to grant is very simple — to direct that Secretary Benson order that the election counting authorities and election boards that are handling ballots allow challengers who are qualified under Michigan statute to participate and to observe that process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eric Ostegren as well as the Trump campaign and their designated challengers be allowed to participate and meaningfully observe that process.
” The judge referred to Connarn ’ s affidavit as “ at best , is a hearsay affidavit , I believe , that addresses a harm that would be significant , but that ’ s what we ’ ve got ” and said she that “ we have an affidavit that is not firsthand knowledge.
” Hearne argued that the affidavit contained “ firsthand personal knowledge of what she personally observed ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firsthand factual statement.
” But Stephens was skeptical , saying , “ I heard somebody else say something — tell me how that ’ s not hearsay ?
Come on now.
” Michigan Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast said , “ There are numerous defects and problems with the pleadings .
… The counting boards are done .
… There are no more counting boards functioning .
… Those functions are complete , as of this morning .
… The ship has really sailed on the relief that they are requesting in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking for a judicial order “ directing Secretary Benson to allow challengers designated by — they can be Democrat or Republican — but to have meaningful opportunity to oversee and observe the conduct of the election and not to exclude them , but to allow them to see how election inspectors are , in fact , processing the ballots , and authenticating them , and adjudicating them.
” Kevin Hamilton , a lawyer for the Democratic National Committee , which was attempting to intervene in the case , claimed that the Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the secretary doesn ’ t operate these counting boards , the counties do.
” He also called the Trump campaign affidavit “ double hearsay.
” The DNC lawyer also said during the hearing that “ all of this is simply an effort to stop the counting of ballots cast by Michigan voters.
” Stepien had said on Wednesday that `` Trump is committed to ensuring that all legal votes are counted in Michigan and everywhere else.
” “ I ’ m going to assume and presume that the plaintiff ’ s motives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are stated , to maintain the integrity of elections , and I ’ m assuming the respondents and the proposed amici shared those same values , ” Stephens said , even as she ruled against the Trump campaign , adding , “ I believe everyone here at their best seeks to have a full and fair election process.
“

A judge ruled against the Trump team’s legal effort seeking to force the Michigan secretary of state to direct local election officials to allow Trump campaign observers to watch ballots being opened and counted amid complaints about access to the absentee vote count process.
The court said that the facts were not enough to grant emergency relief, in part because it’s too late and the vote count is nearly complete in Michigan.
Judge Cynthia Stephens of Michigan’s Court of Appeals dealt the Trump campaign a defeat during a roughly hourlong Zoom call hearing on Thursday afternoon — after President Trump’s campaign filed a complaint on Wednesday against Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The plaintiffs were listed as both Donald Trump for President and Eric Ostegren, described as a registered voter in Michigan who was trained as an election challenger and was allegedly excluded from the counting board during the absentee voter ballot review process. Trump's team then filed a petition for immediate injunctive relief from the court.
[Follow here for complete election lawsuits coverage]
"The request for relief, as I understand it, is going to be denied,” Stephens said in a ruling from the bench, adding that “even if this relief were available, as opposed to when this suit was announced yesterday morning and the count was beginning — it was filed at 4 o’clock, at which point the count had largely proceeded, I am told — but as of this point, the essence of the count is completed.” She also said she would issue an order Friday afternoon.
"We are reviewing the Court’s published decision — which is set to be issued tomorrow — and will determine once that is issued," Thor Hearne, an attorney for the Trump campaign, told the Washington Examiner.
Edison Research, Fox News, CNN, ABC News, and other outlets projected on Wednesday afternoon that former Vice President Joe Biden would win Michigan. Trump defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton there in 2016.
Trump 2020 campaign manager Bill Stepien announced Wednesday morning that “Trump’s campaign has not been provided with meaningful access to numerous counting locations to observe the opening of ballots and the counting process, as guaranteed by Michigan law” and pointed to the “extremely tight” race in the state. He said that the campaign had "filed suit today in the Michigan Court of Claims to halt counting until meaningful access has been granted” and called for a review of all ballots "which were opened and counted while we did not have meaningful access."
Other legal filings from Trump’s campaign included an affidavit from poll watcher Jessica Connarn. She alleged being approached by a Republican Party poll challenger, who told her that other poll workers were instructing her to change the date of a ballot and to say falsely it had been received on Monday, the day before the election, instead of Thursday, which was the day after. The Trump campaign also said there had not been proper video observation of ballot drop boxes that were created in October and asked for access to the footage.
Stephens said Thursday that “the record before me, at best, is an assertion that the secretary of state has direct authority over the individual precincts and counting places," but she also noted that “the secretary of state provides direction to the local officials” and that those local officials were told to provide meaningful access. The judge said that “in this instance, where the issue is the day to day conduct of the vote count, the individuals who bear that responsibility … lies with the local election officials, so the relief that is being requested for the most part is completely unavailable through the secretary of state.”
“I have no basis to find that there is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits … nor am I convinced that there is a clear legal duty of anyone who is before this court to manage this issue," the judge said.
Thor Hearne, a lawyer for the Trump campaign, argued, “The relief we’re asking this court to grant is very simple — to direct that Secretary Benson order that the election counting authorities and election boards that are handling ballots allow challengers who are qualified under Michigan statute to participate and to observe that process. … The request is simply that Eric Ostegren as well as the Trump campaign and their designated challengers be allowed to participate and meaningfully observe that process.”
The judge referred to Connarn’s affidavit as “at best, is a hearsay affidavit, I believe, that addresses a harm that would be significant, but that’s what we’ve got” and said she that “we have an affidavit that is not firsthand knowledge.” Hearne argued that the affidavit contained “firsthand personal knowledge of what she personally observed” and said that “this is a firsthand factual statement.” But Stephens was skeptical, saying, “I heard somebody else say something — tell me how that’s not hearsay? Come on now.”
Michigan Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast said, “There are numerous defects and problems with the pleadings. … The counting boards are done. … There are no more counting boards functioning. … Those functions are complete, as of this morning. … The ship has really sailed on the relief that they are requesting in this case.”
Hearne repeated that he was asking for a judicial order “directing Secretary Benson to allow challengers designated by — they can be Democrat or Republican — but to have meaningful opportunity to oversee and observe the conduct of the election and not to exclude them, but to allow them to see how election inspectors are, in fact, processing the ballots, and authenticating them, and adjudicating them.”
Kevin Hamilton, a lawyer for the Democratic National Committee, which was attempting to intervene in the case, claimed that the Trump campaign “sued the wrong defendant” because “the secretary doesn’t operate these counting boards, the counties do.” He also called the Trump campaign affidavit “double hearsay.”
The DNC lawyer also said during the hearing that “all of this is simply an effort to stop the counting of ballots cast by Michigan voters.”
Stepien had said on Wednesday that "Trump is committed to ensuring that all legal votes are counted in Michigan and everywhere else.”
“I’m going to assume and presume that the plaintiff’s motives in filing this suit are as they are stated, to maintain the integrity of elections, and I’m assuming the respondents and the proposed amici shared those same values,” Stephens said, even as she ruled against the Trump campaign, adding, “I believe everyone here at their best seeks to have a full and fair election process.“


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Pennsylvania's top election official repeatedly attacked Trump on Twitter

The woman in charge of overseeing Pennsylvania 's ballot-counting process has repeatedly attacked President Trump , even tweeting that addressing him by his title `` demeans '' the office to which people elected him .
Since 2015 , Kathy Boockvar , Pennsylvania 's secretary of state , has relentlessly attacked Trump on Twitter , starting from when he was an underdog in the GOP primary .
`` This is awesome , '' Boockvar tweeted on Dec. 11 , 2015 .
`` The absolutely epic trolling letter Jeb Bush 's leadership PAC sent to Donald Trump 's lawyer , '' before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post .
Many of her tweets over the last four years included critical coverage of Trump , such as incorrect predictions that his victory would `` significantly weaken the US , driving us into a lengthy recession . ''
During the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Boockvar quoted critical speeches given during keynote addresses , such as one from Marine Corps veteran-turned-liberal activist Kristen Kavanaugh .
Kavanaugh said : `` If Trump is the Republican standard-bearer , what in the world happened to our standards ? ''
Boockvar then added the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton .
The following year , Boockvar tweeted that `` using the title 'President ' before the word 'Trump ' really demeans the office of the presidency , '' a statement that has been dredged up by supporters of the president who believe Bookvar 's statements raise questions about her neutrality in counting all the ballots in her state .
Pennsylvania 's secretary of state is the chief election official and oversees all election-related duties , including the distributing and counting of mail-in ballots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Wolf in January 2019 .
The Trump campaign has filed several lawsuits around the country and has contested the election results in a number of states .
In Pennsylvania , which could prove crucial to the president 's path of achieving 270 Electoral College votes , a judge recently handed the president 's legal team a win over the counting of ballots .
`` In a major victory for election integrity , election transparency , all Pennsylvania voters , and the rule of law , the Trump Campaign has prevailed in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete lack of any meaningful access to the ballot processing and counting process , '' Justin Clark , a deputy campaign manager and senior counsel , said in a statement regarding the judge 's ruling .
`` The eyes of the country are on Pennsylvania , but Pennsylvania Democrats , led by their radical left Secretary of State whose only goal is to steal this election from President Trump , has kept eyes off of the absentee ballot counting process .
That ends now in Philadelphia . ''

The woman in charge of overseeing Pennsylvania's ballot-counting process has repeatedly attacked President Trump, even tweeting that addressing him by his title "demeans" the office to which people elected him.
Since 2015, Kathy Boockvar, Pennsylvania's secretary of state, has relentlessly attacked Trump on Twitter, starting from when he was an underdog in the GOP primary.
"This is awesome," Boockvar tweeted on Dec. 11, 2015. "The absolutely epic trolling letter Jeb Bush's leadership PAC sent to Donald Trump's lawyer," before linking to an article from the Washington Post.
Many of her tweets over the last four years included critical coverage of Trump, such as incorrect predictions that his victory would "significantly weaken the US, driving us into a lengthy recession."
During the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Boockvar quoted critical speeches given during keynote addresses, such as one from Marine Corps veteran-turned-liberal activist Kristen Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh said: "If Trump is the Republican standard-bearer, what in the world happened to our standards?" Boockvar then added the hashtag "We'rewithher," signaling her support for the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
"This election is not just about Donald Trump's judgment;it's about our own" Kristen Kavanaugh, Marine Corps Veteran @kriskav #we'rewithher — Kathy Boockvar (@KathyBoockvar) July 28, 2016
The following year, Boockvar tweeted that "using the title 'President' before the word 'Trump' really demeans the office of the presidency," a statement that has been dredged up by supporters of the president who believe Bookvar's statements raise questions about her neutrality in counting all the ballots in her state.
Using the title 'President' before the word 'Trump' really demeans the office of the presidency... — Kathy Boockvar (@KathyBoockvar) March 7, 2017
Pennsylvania's secretary of state is the chief election official and oversees all election-related duties, including the distributing and counting of mail-in ballots. Boockvar was appointed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in January 2019.
The Trump campaign has filed several lawsuits around the country and has contested the election results in a number of states. In Pennsylvania, which could prove crucial to the president's path of achieving 270 Electoral College votes, a judge recently handed the president's legal team a win over the counting of ballots.
"In a major victory for election integrity, election transparency, all Pennsylvania voters, and the rule of law, the Trump Campaign has prevailed in our suit challenging our Republican poll watchers’ complete lack of any meaningful access to the ballot processing and counting process," Justin Clark, a deputy campaign manager and senior counsel, said in a statement regarding the judge's ruling. "The eyes of the country are on Pennsylvania, but Pennsylvania Democrats, led by their radical left Secretary of State whose only goal is to steal this election from President Trump, has kept eyes off of the absentee ballot counting process. That ends now in Philadelphia."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-05--Washington Examiner reporters discuss political landscape after Election Day

Election Day may be over , but the election remains far from it .
As of today , Democratic nominee Joe Biden seems to be in good shape to secure a pathway to the White House .
According to the Associated Press , the former vice president has 264 electoral votes , meaning he needs six more to reach the 270 needed to win .
President Trump has 214 despite prematurely claiming several battleground states that have not finalized their vote totals .
With legal fights already shaping up to take place , elections officials scrambling to finish the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their predictions for several congressional races , Washington may look a lot different than expected in the coming year .
The Washington Examiner 's Susan Ferrechio , chief congressional correspondent , and David Drucker , senior political correspondent , teamed up with George Washington University on Thursday to discuss the road ahead after the 2020 election .
The two were joined by Dr. Lara Brown , the director of the university 's Graduate School of Political Management , and Dr. Michael Cornfield , an associate professor at the same school .
One surprising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ability to defy polls that showed them at risk of losing their Senate majority .
Analysts also predicted House Democrats would not only keep their majority , but expand it .
In reality , it appears that the GOP will hold onto its narrow majority in Congress 's upper chamber , with lawmakers such as Sens .
Susan Collins , Joni Ernst , and Lindsey Graham , who were among those considered vulnerable to loss , being successful in their reelection bids .
Republicans also picked up several swing-state seats , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
`` Republicans outperformed polls , and they outperformed the top of the ticket which in many cases , which was of course Donald Trump , '' Ferrechio said .
`` What that means is when the Senate comes back in January for a new Congress , there will likely be kind of the status quo .
You 'll have Republicans in charge , it looks like , with a similar majority .
It 's not a big majority , but it 's enough for them to pass certain things if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House , which appears now will be in control by the Democrats . ''
Ferrechio added that pollsters have been missing out on key voters , largely Republicans , when they conduct their research , prompting misleading figures that skew toward Democrats .
`` I think the polls don ’ t capture enough Republican voices , '' she said .
`` I think that was universal in a lot of the polling we saw this cycle . ''
Drucker touched on the high turnout rate and said that both Democrats and Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to hold onto the Senate and Biden possibly being the victor for the presidency .
Because data are still being processed , it 's unclear what the exact motivations were , but Drucker suspects Biden voters may have prioritized the coronavirus pandemic as their top issue , while Trump voters looked at the economy .
`` It was a very closely fought race , '' Drucker said .
`` You really had a country that was very divided , all believed the election was important , and all showed up .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome is not only because they all showed up , but because one side voted using one method , and the other side voted using another method . ''
Brown noted there were likely very few split tickets this election cycle and that partisan divides continue to run deep in the country .
`` Everything has become political , '' she said .
`` Not just wearing masks , but the method by which you vote .
This partisan identity kind of influences not just some of the outward behaviors , 'Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? '
, some of the more consumer-oriented decisions , but it 's also kind of every part of one ’ s being . ''
Though several states are too close to call to get a definitive answer on who will be the country 's next commander in chief , Cornfield said he 's hopeful that we 'll have at least somewhat of an answer soon .
`` It ’ s my hope that within 24 hours , we will have a pretty solid idea of who has won the presidential election , @ @ @ @

Election Day may be over, but the election remains far from it.
As of today, Democratic nominee Joe Biden seems to be in good shape to secure a pathway to the White House. According to the Associated Press, the former vice president has 264 electoral votes, meaning he needs six more to reach the 270 needed to win. President Trump has 214 despite prematurely claiming several battleground states that have not finalized their vote totals.
With legal fights already shaping up to take place, elections officials scrambling to finish the job in several states, and pollsters fumbling their predictions for several congressional races, Washington may look a lot different than expected in the coming year.
The Washington Examiner's Susan Ferrechio, chief congressional correspondent, and David Drucker, senior political correspondent, teamed up with George Washington University on Thursday to discuss the road ahead after the 2020 election. The two were joined by Dr. Lara Brown, the director of the university's Graduate School of Political Management, and Dr. Michael Cornfield, an associate professor at the same school.
One surprising element of Tuesday night was the Republicans' ability to defy polls that showed them at risk of losing their Senate majority. Analysts also predicted House Democrats would not only keep their majority, but expand it.
In reality, it appears that the GOP will hold on to its narrow majority in Congress's upper chamber, with lawmakers such as Sens. Susan Collins, Joni Ernst, and Lindsey Graham, who were among those considered vulnerable to loss, being successful in their reelection bids. Republicans also picked up several swing-state seats, including two in Florida they lost to Democrats in 2018.
"Republicans outperformed polls, and they outperformed the top of the ticket which in many cases, which was of course Donald Trump," Ferrechio said. "What that means is when the Senate comes back in January for a new Congress, there will likely be kind of the status quo. You'll have Republicans in charge, it looks like, with a similar majority. It's not a big majority, but it's enough for them to pass certain things if they want to and also hold off the House, which appears now will be in control by the Democrats."
Ferrechio added that pollsters have been missing out on key voters, largely Republicans, when they conduct their research, prompting misleading figures that skew toward Democrats.
"I think the polls don’t capture enough Republican voices," she said. "I think that was universal in a lot of the polling we saw this cycle."
Drucker touched on the high turnout rate and said that both Democrats and Republicans would be rewarded — with the GOP likely to hold onto the Senate and Biden possibly being the victor for the presidency.
Because data are still being processed, it's unclear what the exact motivations were, but Drucker suspects Biden voters may have prioritized the coronavirus pandemic as their top issue, while Trump voters looked at the economy.
"It was a very closely fought race," Drucker said. "You really had a country that was very divided, all believed the election was important, and all showed up. One of the reasons we don't know the outcome is not only because they all showed up, but because one side voted using one method, and the other side voted using another method."
Brown noted there were likely very few split tickets this election cycle and that partisan divides continue to run deep in the country.
"Everything has become political," she said. "Not just wearing masks, but the method by which you vote. This partisan identity kind of influences not just some of the outward behaviors, 'Do I do? Or do I not?', some of the more consumer-oriented decisions, but it's also kind of every part of one’s being."
Though several states are too close to call to get a definitive answer on who will be the country's next commander in chief, Cornfield said he's hopeful that we'll have at least somewhat of an answer soon.
"It’s my hope that within 24 hours, we will have a pretty solid idea of who has won the presidential election," he said.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-11-06--Senate runoff combo soon to make Georgia center of the political universe

Democrats could take a narrow majority in the Senate or spend two more years in the political wilderness , depending on the outcome of a pair of Jan. 5 Georgia contests .
The Peach State runoffs will come two months after the still-undecided White House race between President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden , and most down-ballot contests in the country .
Though Senate contests in Alaska and North Carolina are n't yet decided , Republicans have an edge in the counts so far .
That means in Georgia , Democrats would need to win both runoffs to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden wins the presidency and California Sen. Kamala Harris , his running mate , casts tie-breaking votes as vice president .
The Senate special election between Republican-appointed incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic Rev .
Raphael Warnock was expected .
On Tuesday , the pair emerged as the first two finishers out of 21 candidates vying for the final two years of former Sen. Johnny Isakson 's term .
Yet , it 's the regularly scheduled Senate election that 's provided Democratic filmmaker Jon Ossoff with a likely unexpected second shot for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The former business executive and staunch Capitol Hill ally of Trump failed to earn 50 % of the vote , plus one following Tuesday .
On Friday morning , Perdue had 49.8 % of the vote compared to 47.8 % for Ossoff , with a Libertarian candidate nabbing the rest .
That 's hardly final , though , as only 98 % of ballots have been counted .
And the final tally could be affected by the presidential race count between Trump and Biden .
The count early Friday turned in Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans and possible recounts loom .
With Senate control likely in the balance , gobs of outside money are likely to pour in .
The 2020 cycle saw losing Senate candidates Amy McGrath in Kentucky and Jaime Harrison in South Carolina take in nearly $ 200 million in contests that were n't particularly close .
With a Senate majority on the line , both sides will shower candidates with campaign cash , which they 'll need to advertise in the pricey Atlanta media market .
Ossoff and Warnock are still longshots in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political science professor Charles Bullock said Republicans have won the state 's handful of general election runoffs because their voters have turned out at higher rates .
But he said having two runoffs on the ballot may help bring out Democrats for a second time , particularly since Warnock could be Georgia 's first black senator .
`` Democrats desperately need for African Americans to come back to the polls , '' he told the Washington Examiner , citing the 1992 and 2008 Senate runoffs in which there was a `` dramatic '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Georgia exit polls published this week in which `` upper 80s , 90 % '' of black voters cast their ballot for Biden .
For Republicans , they may not have Trump and the White House to enthuse their base , yet an incentive to vote could be bolstering a GOP-controlled Senate majority to hold a hypothetical Biden administration to account .
`` The party that loses the White House is always looking to claw something back .
Looking for something which maybe indicates a little buyer 's remorse , '' Bullock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ledger would be an achievement for Republicans `` to brag about , '' according to Bullock , offering them fodder `` to inspire their troops . ''
To the professor , one of the most important takeaways from the November round of elections was the significance of ground games , especially during a pandemic .
`` Republicans did a better job of that , of identifying and mobilizing their voters , '' he said .
Loeffler , who had to fight over Georgia Republican support against GOP Rep. Doug Collins , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warnock as `` far-left '' and as a `` socialist . ''
But the Loeffler-Collins contest offered Warnock extra time to introduce himself to the state with a positive message .
And it 's a strategy he 's continued after Tuesday , rolling out a new ad preparing voters for a lot of negative ads .
`` That 's what he 's going to be in store for , the criticisms , finding former statements , things that he may have said to his congregation , and using those words against him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race was n't anticipated to end in a runoff , Perdue received negative attention for purposely mispronouncing Harris 's name at a Trump rally , and Ossoff notched a viral debate moment at his expense .
So far , though , he 's kept pace with Trump 's Georgia vote .
Georgians are accustomed to high-profile post-season races , including Ossoff 's 2017 special election for then-Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price 's old House seat .
And they 're bracing once again for a national money deluge that will be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Entities which fund elections , they 've got no place else to go , '' Bullock said .
`` If there 's only one casino to go to , that 's where you go to gamble . ''
The professor added there were only rumblings of reforming state laws to implement instant runoff or ranked-choice voting .
Democrats required a net gain of three or four seats for a Senate majority next Congress , depending on whether Biden becomes president or not .
On Tuesday , Democrats lost their Alabama Senate seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although Republican Sens .
Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina 's races have yet to be called , they 're heavily favored to remain in the GOP column .
That leaves the Senate at a 48-50 breakdown , with a Republican advantage .
Yet , the fact Democrats are relying on the two runoffs is a let-down to what was supposed to be a promising Senate election cycle .
Democrats had a favorable Senate map ; Republicans were forced to defend 23 seats .
And seven of those seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election forecasters .
They also had significant edges in fundraising and polling .

Democrats could take a narrow majority in the Senate or spend two more years in the political wilderness, depending on the outcome of a pair of Jan. 5 Georgia contests.
The Peach State runoffs will come two months after the still-undecided White House race between President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, and most down-ballot contests in the country.
Though Senate contests in Alaska and North Carolina aren't yet decided, Republicans have an edge in the counts so far. That means in Georgia, Democrats would need to win both runoffs to get the Senate tally to 50-50 — if Biden wins the presidency and California Sen. Kamala Harris, his running mate, casts tie-breaking votes as vice president.
The Senate special election between Republican-appointed incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic Rev. Raphael Warnock was expected. On Tuesday, the pair emerged as the first two finishers out of 21 candidates vying for the final two years of former Sen. Johnny Isakson's term.
Yet, it's the regularly scheduled Senate election that's provided Democratic filmmaker Jon Ossoff with a likely unexpected second shot for the seat held by Sen. David Perdue. The former business executive and staunch Capitol Hill ally of Trump failed to earn 50% of the vote, plus one following Tuesday.
On Friday morning, Perdue had 49.8% of the vote compared to 47.8% for Ossoff, with a Libertarian candidate nabbing the rest. That's hardly final, though, as only 98% of ballots have been counted. And the final tally could be affected by the presidential race count between Trump and Biden. The count early Friday turned in Biden's direction, but potential legal challenges by Republicans and possible recounts loom.
With Senate control likely in the balance, gobs of outside money are likely to pour in. The 2020 cycle saw losing Senate candidates Amy McGrath in Kentucky and Jaime Harrison in South Carolina take in nearly $200 million in contests that weren't particularly close. With a Senate majority on the line, both sides will shower candidates with campaign cash, which they'll need to advertise in the pricey Atlanta media market.
Ossoff and Warnock are still longshots in the traditionally conservative states.
University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock said Republicans have won the state's handful of general election runoffs because their voters have turned out at higher rates. But he said having two runoffs on the ballot may help bring out Democrats for a second time, particularly since Warnock could be Georgia's first black senator.
"Democrats desperately need for African Americans to come back to the polls," he told the Washington Examiner, citing the 1992 and 2008 Senate runoffs in which there was a "dramatic" drop in black participation.
Bullock pointed to Georgia exit polls published this week in which "upper 80s, 90%" of black voters cast their ballots for Biden.
For Republicans, they may not have Trump and the White House to enthuse their base, yet an incentive to vote could be bolstering a GOP-controlled Senate majority to hold a hypothetical Biden administration to account.
"The party that loses the White House is always looking to claw something back. Looking for something which maybe indicates a little buyer's remorse," Bullock said.
Adding two Senate seats to their ledger would be an achievement for Republicans "to brag about," according to Bullock, offering them fodder "to inspire their troops."
To the professor, one of the most important takeaways from the November round of elections was the significance of ground games, especially during a pandemic.
"Republicans did a better job of that, of identifying and mobilizing their voters," he said.
Loeffler, who had to fight over Georgia Republican support against GOP Rep. Doug Collins, has already pivoted to the runoff, calling Warnock as "far-left" and as a "socialist." But the Loeffler-Collins contest offered Warnock extra time to introduce himself to the state with a positive message. And it's a strategy he's continued after Tuesday, rolling out a new ad preparing voters for a lot of negative ads.
"That's what he's going to be in store for, the criticisms, finding former statements, things that he may have said to his congregation, and using those words against him," Bullock said.
While the Perdue-Ossoff race wasn't anticipated to end in a runoff, Perdue received negative attention for purposely mispronouncing Harris's name at a Trump rally, and Ossoff notched a viral debate moment at his expense. So far, though, he's kept pace with Trump's Georgia vote.
Georgians are accustomed to high-profile post-season races, including Ossoff's 2017 special election for then-Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's old House seat. And they're bracing once again for a national money deluge that will be used to awash the state with ads.
"Entities which fund elections, they've got no place else to go," Bullock said. "If there's only one casino to go to, that's where you go to gamble."
The professor added there were only rumblings of reforming state laws to implement instant runoff or ranked-choice voting.
Democrats required a net gain of three or four seats for a Senate majority next Congress, depending on whether Biden becomes president or not.
On Tuesday, Democrats lost their Alabama Senate seat but picked up Arizona and Colorado. Although Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina's races have yet to be called, they're heavily favored to remain in the GOP column. That leaves the Senate at a 48-50 breakdown, with a Republican advantage.
Yet, the fact Democrats are relying on the two runoffs is a let-down to what was supposed to be a promising Senate election cycle.
Democrats had a favorable Senate map; Republicans were forced to defend 23 seats. And seven of those seats were considered "toss ups" by election forecasters. They also had significant edges in fundraising and polling.