As I’ve said before, I never take sides in an election, neither do I talk about religion or the food I choose to eat. But there are times when an interesting topic comes across the Dillon Gage news desk that is really interesting and worthy of pondering over a cup of coffee.
So, without picking any candidate today, let’s talk about what happens in the event that this presidential election ends in a tie. Let me explain a scenario of how both major candidates can achieve 269 electoral votes and not reach the magical 270 needed to become our next president.
Meet the man trying to keep Utah from going red or blue in today’s election. His name is Evan McMullin, a former CIA officer, investment banker and most recently a Capitol Hill staffer. To be honest I did not know about this fellow till today. McMullin is on the ballot in only 11 states and has received virtually no press.
But McMullen, who is a Mormon, has garnered strong support in Utah. In fact, in a poll released this morning in Utah, Trump only has a slight lead in Utah with McMullin a very, very close second and Hilary coming in third. A victory for McMullin would keep Utah’s 6 electoral votes from going either red or blue and could keep either of the other two candidates from getting to 270.
In the event that he captures Utah and no candidate gets 270 electoral votes, the decision goes to the House of Representatives. Yep, if no candidate receives a majority of Electoral votes, the House of Representatives elects the President from the 3 Presidential candidates who received the most Electoral votes. Each state delegation has one vote. The Senate would elect the Vice President from the 2 Vice Presidential candidates with the most Electoral votes. Each Senator would cast one vote for Vice President. If the House of Representatives fails to elect a President by Inauguration Day, the Vice-President Elect serves as acting President until the deadlock is resolved in the House.”
Let me throw you a curveball. Were McMullin to take Utah’s six electoral votes, that would put him in play as a candidate if the election were thrown to the House of Representatives. It’s possible to imagine a scenario in which establishment Republicans, who have never been comfortable with Trump, might rally behind McMullin. It’s extremely unlikely, just like an Electoral College deadlock in the first place, but it makes for a really interesting conversation to share over a cup of coffee. 2016 has been the craziest political year this country has ever seen what’s wrong with having a second cup and continuing this friendly conversation.
Have a wonderful Election day. (And remember to Vote!)
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Walter Pehowich of Dillon Gage Metals. This document is for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. It is not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity or course of action. Opinions expressed herein are current opinions as of the date appearing in this editorial only and are subject to change without notice and cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. All investments entail risks. There is no guarantee that investment strategies will achieve the desired results under all market conditions and each investor should evaluate its ability to invest for a long term especially during periods of a market downturn. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. This information is provided with the understanding that with respect to the opinions provided herein, that you will make your own independent decision with respect to any course of action in connection herewith and as to whether such course of action is appropriate or proper based on your own judgment, and that you are capable of understanding and assessing the merits of a course of action. You may not rely on the statements contained herein. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisors with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand and accept this disclaimer.