Nightmare Scenario

What if the Electoral College splits 269-269 (it's actually quite possible; a lot of likely state splits will yield this result), and then the election is thrown into the House of Representatives?

No problem, you say. The Republicans control more state delegations and thus would elect Bush from the House in the event of a tie.

But that assumes that the Democrats don't refuse to come to Washington, DC, thus denying the House a lawful quorum. Which, based on the partisan hatred among leftists, and the previous gamesmanship in Texas, isn't too far-fetched.

What would happen? Would Hastert tell the Sergeant of Arms and the Federal Marshals to begin rounding up/arresting runaway Democrats and holding them prisoner in the well of the Congress?

Would the Supreme Court be forced to intervene-- again -- and make the controversial decision that, given a refusal to comply with Constitutional requirements, the normal rules of quorum are temporarily suspended?

Could the Democrats negotiate for some prize-- like a Democratic Vice-President, in exchange for their cooperation?

posted by Ace at 11:21 AM

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