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Fla. Senator To Eliminating Electoral College Bill’s Critics: 'It’s Not About Being A Sore Loser'

Sen. Darryl Rouson's twitter

A Florida Senator filed a bill Wednesday to get rid of the Electoral College, which was the deciding factor in electing Donald Trump as the next President.

While nearly three million more Americans voted for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump still became the President based on winning the Electoral College vote—a system originally created to give smaller states a larger voice in the election process. But, Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) thinks presidential elections should be based solely on the popular vote. That’s why he filed a bill eliminating the Electoral College.

“It’s really not—as some folks are alleging—about being a sore loser,” said Rouson. “It’s about a principle of each voter having the confidence that their vote counts, and at no time was it more telling than in this election where the majority of the American people demonstrated their will, and it’s disregarded. So, I hope, and it’s my prayer that we’re able to pass this thing.”

Rouson says so far, 10 states and the District of Columbia have passed similar legislation. If more states join the effort, Rouson adds it will be a great first step toward making this a reality.

Similar bills have been filed in the past in the Florida Legislature.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.