Letter from Washington

A major battle is shaping up in the Senate over the direct-election-of-the-President amendment. In early August opponents of direct election were certain they had the votes to block the Bayh amendment, with its controversial plan for a runoff. But the Bayh proposal is drawing renewed support from both Republicans and Democrats backing a modification drawn up by Senators Robert Griffin (R., Mich.) and Joseph Tydings (D., Md.). Opponents of direct election now feel their chances are slimmer.

Some of the votes on the Bayh amendment will be pro forma. Neither proponents nor opponents believe the plan stands a chance in its present form. Senate sources report, though, that Bayh is willing to accept emendation of his plan in order to get it through. The Griffin-Tydings amendment provides for an automatic return to the Electoral College system in the event that no candidate receives more than 40 per cent of the vote in a direct election.

Featured Tags

Equal Rights Amendment

Constitution

Presidential Election

A major battle is shaping up in the Senate over the direct-election-of-the-President amendment. In early August opponents of direct election were certain they had the votes to block the Bayh amendment, with its controversial plan for a runoff. But the Bayh proposal is drawing renewed support from both Republicans and Democrats backing a modification drawn up by Senators Robert Griffin (R., Mich.) and Joseph Tydings (D., Md.). Opponents of direct election now feel their chances are slimmer.

Some of the votes on the Bayh amendment will be pro forma. Neither proponents nor opponents believe the plan stands a chance in its present form. Senate sources report, though, that Bayh is willing to accept emendation of his plan in order to get it through. The Griffin-Tydings amendment provides for an automatic return to the Electoral College system in the event that no candidate receives more than 40 per cent of the vote in a direct election.