Christopher Suprun, a Texas Republican presidential elector, writes in this op-ed that he will not vote for Donald Trump on December 19. The op-ed is on-line at the New York Times, and perhaps will be in the paper edition on December 6. Thanks to Political Wire for the link.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
So high and mighty…refusing to vote the will of the people…America is in more trouble than I thought…
Why do these people come out and announce this stuff? Time and time again we see GOP electors getting forced to resign (God knows what the party holds over them…) once they announce this – happened in 2012 as well. Why not just write this as an “anonymous Texas Republican elector?” Perhaps secretly they neither want to vote for Trump, nor vote against the will of their state, so they intentionally out themselves. and force the issue.
This guy may be very principled but he certainly isn’t very bright. After all the names and addressed of every Presidential Elector is published
LMAO, you do not matter , little man…
What a bunch of Bull S–T. Suprun is now the self perscribed American Moralist. He make claims based on inuendos and supposed facts. He tries to take the high moral gound which would be ok if this was one man one vote but he is dening voters their constutitional right to vote for the person they voted for. By not following his commitment to vote for the person who won he lied to thoes who voted for him to act as their voice. He is therefore morally bankrupt and if he feels compelled to not vote than resign in protest. To vote against the wishes of his constitutency is as I said self serving “BULL SHIT”. To let others know who he is, is a clear indication of him seeking to be noticed with the hope of national exposure. Another self serving motive!
If people don’t like what he is doing, they ought to be in favor of amending the US Constitution and getting rid of presidential electors. This is what the US deserves for not keeping our constitution in line with actual practice. We also ought to be ashamed for being the only nation in the world that has elections, in which the adult citizens living in the national capitol have no voting representation in the national legislature. We ought to be ashamed to be the only nation in the world that won’t let ex-felons register to vote (in certain states). We have not been mindful. We have signed several international human rights treaties promising not to do things like that, but we are hypocrites.
Watch your ass, Suprun.
Edward, re-read your constitution. You will see that there is NO constitutional right to vote for president, EXCEPT for electors. The constitution only provides for their selection, but gives no power to coerce their votes.
Chris Suprun really don’t have any idea how or where you were educated, really have no clue how you became a Texas electorate. It really looks like you are on the Ted Cruz payroll and it must not be very much as it looks like to me a true republican that you can be Bought Very Cheap. Sincerely, James Ethridge.
A man is only as good as his word.. By not voting for Trump you show your true colors and worth.. NOTHING….
This guy thinks he is a above all of us and believes he has the smarter then the people he representing. He cannot HONOR his word then he is corrupt. He is wanting attention, no wonder is is a simple paramedic.
Chris Suprun, as an individual, had his chance to vote in the election. His duty now is not one of conscience, but rather one of due process. He is no longer to act as an individual voter, casting his ballot as he deems. His role now is to represent the will of the state of Texas. By not following the process as outlined by the State of Texas he is effectively telling the millions of Texas voters that their vote does not count. He is quoted as saying “I am here to elect a president, not a king.” By taking this action he is smearing the electoral process (as enacted by the people) and acting making his own decision in spite of their elected outcome because he disagrees (…much like a king would do…).
Chris, if you continue this path you have belittled the State of Texas, its electoral process, yourself and basically said to millions of Texans “you do not matter”.
and I found this…
Christopher Suprun is a local paramedic and spokesman for Never Forget Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that coaches students on achievement and success. His email address is csuprun@consurgo.org.
Come on! It is bad enough to concede 1 Tx vote(r) is reduced to 1/4 equivalence the electoral vote nationally but fairness is understanding all 50 States matter, regardless of size. That is the beauty of the Electoral College. Fairness for all 50 states.
Texans do not choose their electors as some States’ do. Not fair!
Do the right thing for Texas as a fellow Texan, and a Republican. There is no shame in stepping aside, Mr. Suprun. In fact, one might call it, honorable.
Three cheers for Mr. Suprun! We need a few more like him, plus the recounts in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Granted, a hail mary pass on top of another hail mary pass, but with Comet Trump headed our way to literally destroy all life on earth except maybe cockroaches, what do we have to lose?
For the rest of you, read Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 68. Electors have always been meant to make their own decisions and serve as a break on horrendously bad decisions such as putting Trump’s itchy twitter fingers next to the nuclear button. It’s a great thing that some electors are now rediscovering this and they may yet save us all from being dragged off to the camps in a Trump fascist klepto-idiocracy.
Thank you Mark O’Conor. I will email him my thanks, appreciation and encouragement.
Please resign sure if you cannot commit to your vow of voting for the republican nominee that America has chosen across 30 states.
Thanks, Richard.
From the Federalist no. 68 – “Thus without corrupting the body of the people, the immediate agents in the election will at least enter upon the task free from any sinister bias.” This statement refers to following the will of the state populace, who have chosen a specific winner by some margin. “Free from any sinister bias” is not only meant for external pressure upon these electorates but also to mean their own bias in this regard. The College was designed for two primary reasons – to ensure the most populated states did not unfairly dictate future leaders (thank you Andi Lee, above) and as a vehicle needed due to the technology of the day. (Think back to the beginning of the Country) The states elect a winning candidate, then send a group of electors to the Capitol to submit the result via a vote. The use of multiple electors was also to combat the ability of a single individual from submitting that result as he (it was no doubt a man in those days) saw fit when arriving at the Capitol. These individuals were also newly elected each time also to prevent bias or corruption. The role is to pass along the will of the state to the federal arena. Not agreeing with the outcome, via a fair election process, is not why the individual is to change their vote.
And something a bit more recent than Alexander Hamilton’s 1788 paper…. http://www.fec.gov/pdf/eleccoll.pdf
Richard Winger, with all due respect, Sir, “civic duty” may more suit your “intended” argument. The American “citizen” is the checks and balance of our Congress, as clearly outlined in our founding documents. Hence, the election of officials.
Why doesn’t the US hold national referendums like other countries? This subject of getting rid of the electoral college would be a premier opportunity for third parties to work side by side to defeat this horrible system.
I’m very excited and happy at this news. Don’t listen to the trolls and naysayers. Mr. Suprun, in my book, is a true hero and courageous.
Read it in context; not very long: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed68.asp
“I’m very excited and happy at this news. Don’t listen to the trolls and naysayers. Mr. Suprun, in my book, is a true hero and courageous.”
Amen! You and me both!
Much appreciation, Mark O’Conor. Thank you for the concise explanation, and for the pdf. Always eager to learn and expand my mind. I am always interested, maybe more curious, too, of other opinions and sharing of knowledge. I’m mindful,this luxury is a death sentence elsewhere.
Mr. Brown, I’m not entirely convinced you comprehend the 18th century english language, given, you reference a college paper. Most puzzling, indeed. Oh, well. Carry on, Sir, I’ll leave you to your intentions here.
Mr Suprun, are you involved in PizzaGate? If not, are you being threatened by Clinton Machine or Shadow Government? You are going against the will of the people and this nation needs saving from the past 30 years of corruption. Are you a patriot or a traitor???
1. 25 August, 2016 – Suprun says he might not vote for Trump. http://www.politico.com/story/2016/08/donald-trump-electoral-college-texas-chris-suprun-227422
2. 10 November, 2016 – Suprun says he WILL vote for Trump. http://edition.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/11/12/elector-the-electoral-college-works.cnn
3. 5 December, 2016 – Suprun says he will NOT vote for Trump. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/05/opinion/why-i-will-not-cast-my-electoral-vote-for-donald-trump.html
He’s just enjoying his 15 minutes guys. Hopefully he’ll be history soon.
Mr. Suprun,
The people have spoken and elected Trump, you’re paid by the people, do your job and vote Trump. If not, you’ll come to regret it.
Unrespectfully,
Jim Heathcock
Mr. Suprun,
Then resign! I don’t want a person with that power in Texas if they are not going to live up to their word. you disgust me. Mr. Trump may not be your candidate but he was elected by the will of the people and Texas gave him their vote as our president elect. I will follow you closely in future elections just to see how honest your given work really is.
Whoa, lots of vicious folks crawling out from under rocks around here.
Way to go Suprun. A principled elector.
“Mr. Brown, I’m not entirely convinced you comprehend the 18th century english language, given, you reference a college paper. Most puzzling, indeed.”
I didn’t reference a college paper. I referenced the original full text of Federalist No. 68, which I understand very well. Do you have trouble reading it?
” PizzaGate…”
LOL. Shows you the mentality of some here, who apparently take the electronic age version of supermarket tabloids seriously.
If we the voters can’t rely on the electors who represent the WILL of THE PEOPLE then why even vote?? Trump won BECAUSE he heard THE SILENT MAJORITY voices. Who are you, Suprun, to take that from us? Either be silent or quit.
“The people have spoken and elected Trump,”
Well, no, they did not. The people of the US elected Hillary Clinton, if you want to rely on popular votes. If you’d rather rely on the electoral college, the people of Texas elected a slate of electors, such as Mr. Suprun, to deliberate.
“you’re paid by the people,”
As far as I know electors aren’t paid. I was on a slate of electors once and was not offered any payment, and although we did not win, I’m fairly sure that the winning electors – some of whom I knew personally – weren’t paid either.
“Whoa, lots of vicious folks crawling out from under rocks around here.
Way to go Suprun. A principled elector.”
Indeed.
“Trump won BECAUSE he heard THE SILENT MAJORITY voices. ”
I have no doubt he hears voices, but those voices certainly are not those of the majority of Americans.
Mr Brown, I see you have made 25% of the comments in this forum. You must have a lot of “skin” in this game.
Bravo Mr. Suprun! One of the few with the you-know-what to notice that Emperor Trump has no clothes!
Christopher Suprun, you are a man with a moral backbone. Thank you for your courageous stand.
Sultan you have no backbone and are a faithless corrupt pathetic excuse for a man. You pledged to support what the people wanted not your own misguided liberal ideologies. You are exactly what we voted against and I hope you get the same support from the people of Texas that voted Trump that you are giving them.
I have a couple of comments about Mr. Suprun.
First, he has every right to do this, under our Constitution, and apparently also under state law, though I don’t know that a state law that binds Mr. Suprun would be constitutional, but that’s never been tested. However, I would not have announced this; I would have just gone in, cast the vote and be done with it. By announcing it up front, he’s encouraged all sorts of low-life Trump supporters to come out and complain. By the way, for those low life Trump supporters complaining, keep in mind that your candidate didn’t get a majority of the national popular vote (no one did, really). Also, keep in mind that your candidate has 306 electoral votes, so this one defection won’t make a difference.
Second, you have to decide for whom to vote. At a minimum, you should cast your vote for someone who actually sought the office, either in the Republican presidential primaries or in the general election. If all presidential electors were allocated proportionally based on popular vote, Gary Johnson, who got 3.284% of the vote should be allocated 17 electors. You might consider voting for him for that reason. If you are thinking about how your state voted, Gary Johnson also got 3.16 percent of the vote in Texas, which is enough to justify 1 electoral vote out of your state’s allocation (3.16% of 38 equals 1.2). The broader point here is that if you are going to depart from your pledge, try to do so in some principled fashion, and giving representation to the votes actually cast is a way to accomplish that.
If you can’t see your way clear to voting for Gary Johnson, then vote for a Republican who ran in the Presidential primaries.
Mr Chris Suprum you are not to vote in a President the people already voted Donald Trump. You are just stirring a hot pot to get your name out STOP IT! WHO WOULD EVER WANT KASICH.
These people that are shooting off their mouth has a reason because never before have we ever heard of an Electral speaking out about the peoples choice. Something is going on here that is nasty.
Some of you folks appear to be pretty tightly wound, which is a perfect match for those who are not concerned with what is being done, but merely who is doing it. which explains much about the shallow enders here attempting to prove that their pencil is sharp.
Can’t imagine this guy is a real Texan. But whatever he is, he is an idiot for announcing this. Texans voted for Trump and he better get off his high horse and do the right thing…or I suggest he head back to NY.
The Republican CD30 District is in discovery trying to identify what should be done in regards to this challenge to the Will of The People.
Be nice, Be Polite and Respectful.
Dallas County Republican Party CD30 – Phone: (214) 369-9555
Public Information:
Stephen Christopher Suprun Jr of Dallas, Tx / Suprun SC Jr.
Christopher Suprun; NREMT-P, CCEMT-P
Never Forget 9/11 Foundation
Megaphone Strategies – Cutting Edge Communications Services
Director of Education for Consurgo, LLC, http://www.consurgo.org
megaphonestrategies.com Cutting edge PR strategies for the movement, by the movement, and based on ability to change the world, not ability to pay.
consurgo.org
I am sitting here eating popcorn like it is a movie reading these Republican’s comment and laughing.
It’s like an ant pile just got kicked over and the ants are scurrying around all angry not knowing what is going on.
Will the GOP posters please provide their definitions of REAL Texans and REAL Republicans so I can be further amused.
For Mr. Suprun’s benefit:
18 U.S. Code § 2384 – Seditious conspiracy
If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.
To Tom P’s comments – though I imagine we are of opposing views, I do take offense to the ‘low-life Trump supporters’ if it is directed at his entire support. I would venture there are ‘low-life’ supporters across the board and the term itself is as subjective as ‘real Texan’. Tom P’s two points however are quite valid. There is no law binding an electoral members vote. At best there are some very superficial fines in some states but to date even those have not been enforced. I believe the best statement is this ” you are going to depart from your pledge, try to do so in some principled fashion”. To change your vote based on your personal feelings “a president, not a king” is to betray the faith the Texas voters have placed in you. I suggest two things (knowing virtually none of this thread will ever make past these pages!!): 1. The electoral college vote is anonymous, by design, to prevent pressure and corruption. Suprun could just have easily planned to vote in his manner without the headlines. 2. If choosing to ignore the vote of the Texas voters (not the nation wide popular vote), then elaborate on why by providing some substantiated argument. This may give way to a proper discussion.
Looks like Ballot Access News has been flooded with Trump supporters, lol. Most of these people probably won’t even bother reading Richard’s posts on here that concern ballot access for third parties, and other such facts about how both ruling parties rig the election system. But it’d be nice if they did, they might learn something about the world around them.
Hillary Clinton was not defeated by Donald Trump. She was defeated by the words and actions of Adolf Hitler which were copied precisely by Adolf Hitler. Trump’s first wife, Ivana, stated in an interview given years ago that Trump kept a book of Hitler speeches on a nightstand next to the bed.
Keep it up Chris Suprun. After many more years of strong efforts, much sowing of FUD, you could become US President and leader of the Demonrat Party.
So sad. Mr. Suprun’s arguments for not voting Trump in Texas include many of the things which got the Country into the horrible situation that currently exists. Why do some people have such a problem embracing a different path when time and again the old path nets the same old failed results? I ask you, Mr. Suprun, to revisit your position and look at the changes which have occurred since Mr. Trumps election. Look at the man’s family and look at the qualified people he is surrounding himself with. How much fuss did you put into print with the NY times when our current POTUS stuck his nose into local law enforcement issues with the obvious agenda of influencing local politics? As a business person myself, it was taught to me long ago how a good business man can step into virtually any situation and turn it around. Imagine what a great businessman like Mr. Trump could do for this Nation. As a W-2 wage earner your ability to comprehend business and government complexities may be beyond your pay grade. That is not a dig on you Mr. Suprun but it is common throughout the W-2 pay spectrum. Get some additional insight into how things work before you cast a vote for someone who, like yourself, may have never built anything or created one job.
Mark H. Show the link or some other proof. Nice hack job on attempting to portray Mr. Trump as a Hitler guy. Did you ever stop to consider, if he did engage in such a practice, that it was to constantly remind himself of the horrors Hitler committed? By understanding your enemy you can defeat him and Mr. Trump understands that concept very well. I’m reasonably sure you never considered there might be a different point of view other than your own. Liberals seldom do and when they do, if it doesn’t fit their agenda, the opposing viewpoint is discarded with any number of disgusting terms applied to the person airing that viewpoint. Rethink your comment and try, for once, to put your Country ahead of your own selfishness.
I am not recognizing Trump as my president.Only Gary Johnson.Armed Rebellion now.
An economic collapse should occur and impeachment against Trump.Also high unemployment in the Red states.Maybe Mike Pence will give in to the Establishment.Also Religious minorities like the Jehovah witnesses.
Donald Trump want to force us to celebrate Christmas which is unconstitutional.We have right according to the first amendment to our Religious beliefs.Long live Herbert W Armstrong and Barry Goldwater.
Suprun so you really think King George Soros and Queen Hillary Clinton would be a better choice?
I hope some electors will vote for Gary Johnson.
“Mr Brown, I see you have made 25% of the comments in this forum. You must have a lot of “skin” in this game.”
I don’t know what you mean, or even for that matter what you are trying to imply.
“Also, keep in mind that your candidate has 306 electoral votes, so this one defection won’t make a difference.”
No one has any electoral votes until the electors actually vote. It’s a slim hope that we can still stop the upcoming unprecedented disaster of Trump, but it’s the only hope our country, our species and our planet has left.
“Seditious conspiracy”
Laughable. Electors have the right to vote their conscience, otherwise why do they exist? They haven’t been automated, for a reason.
“The electoral college vote is anonymous, by design, to prevent pressure and corruption. Suprun could just have easily planned to vote in his manner without the headlines.”
Good point. Hopefully, a bunch of other electors pledged to Trump are doing exactly that.
“elaborate on why by providing some substantiated argument. This may give way to a proper discussion.”
He has. It’s linked in the very article we are commenting on.
” Trump’s first wife, Ivana, stated in an interview given years ago that Trump kept a book of Hitler speeches on a nightstand next to the bed.”
Good point. I do believe Trump will be a lot like Adolf Hitler, except with nukes.
YOU ARE A DIRT BAG ! YOUR STATE VOTED WITH OVER 800,000 VOTES FOR TRUMP, GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE !
DO YOUR DAMN JOB YOU P.O.S. !
Whoa, let me go get a can of Raid to get rid of the cockroaches in here. Terrible infestation.
Who wants to bet that we never hear again from the these first time posters on any other subject ever on this site?
Chris Suprun has no clue. He does not understand the difference between the electoral college and the popular vote. He casts bullshit allegations against Trump and therefore must support the criminal and incompetent track record of Hillary. He boasts himself as a firefighter… he was a volunteer in a small town. He has to voice his opinion in the NY Times… a completely corrupt, biased and unintelligent group who can not call themselves journalists. Stop your winning and go join some therapy room at a liberal college where you will get hot coco, dog/cat therapy, coloring books and aroma therapy.
Chris, resign your post and duties and shut the hell up. You are an embarrassment to yourself, to your family, to the country and to the real FD.
Hey a Republican from Texas with integrity. It is so perfect that you were a fireman! You are a hero. Stand strong! Some of us (okay 2.7 million of us) applaud you and your sense of duty!
Governor Gary Johnson has a record of working with both Democrats and Republicans, small government and advocate for 2A. I hope he will consider looking into him. Someone with integrity too.
Thank you, Mr. Suprun. You prove that there are still decent men in this country and we appreciate your actions.
So Mr. Suprun ignores the rest of the voters by thinking knows better. Chris Suprun should pack his bags because he does not believe in the right of the voters of his state
Reminder for all who are unaware of what the Bible says about God’s role in the election of rulers, Daniel 2:21 says: It is God who alters the times and seasons, and he removes kings and promotes kings. We are to vote and then our votes are counted and we elect the president. For better or for worse, depending on your view, we have elected Donald Trump. Based on the probability of him being elected with all that was against him, no doubt God raised this man up to be president during such a time as this as he has done every other president. God has a plan and mere man will not be able to change it. As with any president, we cannot predict the outcome of this president until he is out of office. God has spoken and it is time to give this president his time in office knowing it is in God’s hands. Satan is here to divide us as he has done from the beginning with Adam and Eve and unfortunately it looks like he is still doing his job well. A house divided will not stand. It is up to us to not fall into that trap and unite as we are the UNITED States of America.
Mr. Brown? You are deleting our comments, and since your shallow view of the world, I bid you goodbye…in my opinion, you’re an asshat!!! Pffttt…good luck!
Dear Mr. Serpent, you get the highest award and you deserve a light up pacifier, a brand new box of Crayons because I’m sure you are very stingy about sharing, and A Blankey then you can take your righteous ass and go play by yourself, you are a self centered brainless wonder of the world! I’m almost sure your name won’t go down in history as anything but a traitor!
Too bad we can’t give a “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” to these. I’d have a field day.
I applaud you Mr. Suprun for your stand. Vote your conscience. If you believe that Donald Trump would be a disaster as president of our great country then do not vote for him. The next four years will prove you right or wrong but either way you’ll be able to sleep at night.
This electoral vote has never been more important.
Mr. Suprun, you are a traitor to the voters of Texas. you vote different than the voters and you are a despicable human being. You gave your word to back the Rep. winner and if you break your word you have no right to cast your vote. You are just a whinny baby wanting his own way. How the Devil did you ever weasel your way into this position?
Wow, a record 78 illiterates commented on this post.
Boycott Texas.Boycott all the red states.Boycott Brandon Missouri to .Support Gary Johnson.Oppose those who want to force us to celebrate Christmas.
Wow!! Trump is the first president elect to get involved with saving jobs before he has even taken the oath. He wants illegals to either get legal or to go back to their countries as not to mooch off the system and undercut regular paying jobs, while getting paid under the table. Suprun must love people’s suffering. He must love that the United States is in critical state and that the Democrats has been its undoing.
Please Make America Great Again!! God protect Trump and bring his legacy to fruition!!!! Hillary won’t care about the American small businesses and won’t get involved or intervene the way Trump has. Obama didn’t do crap for the economy but induced an even larger deficit!! PPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEE TRUMP, WE NEED YOU!!! All these flag burning, violent, treasonous scumbags should lose citizenship and get deported to hell.
Christopher,
Your decision is a SPECTACULAR DISPLAY OF PATRIOTISM !
Your decision also shows a REAL UNDERSTANDING of what the Founding Fathers did to help protect the People.
THANK YOU.
Geralyn
First of all why would the party pick Suprun who it appears does not even have the credentials or intelligence to know the issues. This guy should be sued and let him incur some legal fees. This incompetent.
Electoral College has to vote their conscience.
Either we have 4 years of the unknown leaning toward a President that demeaned the American People to establish the president elect position , and promised to make America Great when in fact America is already great. Last, the president elect has a character of a bully with no shame only to gain monetary stability. Reminding the American People that “yes” a bully can win and sometimes doesn’t get punished – get use to it this is a hard truth.
Or we as the People of America follow leaders who can regroup the government into action to take a step back from this experience and hope to God not repeat it.
You vote your conscious- God Bless the government and the government we will have in the near future. We are all safe of our “choice “but “not our conscious
Thank you for your time and consideration, I appreciate and respect the role you serve in our electoral
I have voted republican all my life, we just got conned , I hope we can fix it with this .
we need to stop trump , he is a con man for putin
Suprun is a coward. he should have no involvement with 911
Suprun is a little bitch
I agree with Ed Rose on Dec 9th We must all get together and form a group law suit against Christoper Suprun. This guy needs to be punished for going against the will of the people of Texas. This man thinks his opinion and his views over rule the voters of the state
of Texas. He must be sued and pay dearly for his actions. He is a democrat from New York and not a real Texan and should have never had the right to vote for the people of Texas. Fire fighter or not he must pay with his pocket book for his actions.
By reading the many comments I see we have a lot of Democrats stating there views and that will not realize the results of the people.
The vote is in Trump won fair and square. He is the fourth President who has won but didn’t win the popular vote George Bush was also one
of those Presidents. Let’s sue this Guy!!!!!