Jewish Elector Says No Chance Donald Trump Will Lose Electoral College Vote
Image by Getty Images
By Dave Goldiner December 18, 2016
A Jewish member of the electoral college from Arizona says there’s no chance he’ll go rogue and vote against Donald Trump — despite thousands of emails urging him to do just that.
“I (have) an obligation to the majority of the voters in Arizona who voted for him … and (to honor) their vote,” Bruce Ash, a Republican state committee member who is one of 11 electors from the state, told the Arizona Republic
Ash said he and other electors have been bombarded by emails demanding that they block Trump’s election. But he says he is not considering changing his stance, even though Trump was not even his “first, second, or third” choice for the White House.
“They demonize me, they call me a homophobic, an isolationist, a bigot, a misogynist, and an anti-Semite, which is interesting because I’m Jewish.”
Ash and 537 others will cast the only votes for president that really, really count Monday.
Even though he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million votes, Trump won enough electoral votes for an easy win.
One Republican elector from Texas has vowed to be “unfaithful” and vote against Trump, but there is no sign of the kind of widespread revolt that could lead 30-some electors to reject Trump. Even if that happened, the election would go to the House of Representatives where Republicans hold a solid majority.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
