Third, under the United States Supreme Court's analysis in Bush v. Palm Beach County Canvassing Board, wherein the Supreme Court calls to our attention McPherson v. Blacker, there is uncertainty as to whether the Florida Legislature has even given the courts of Florida any power to resolve contests or controversies in respect to presidential elections.
With rare exceptions this seemingly antique institution decisively resolves contests in which the popular vote is close or in which there are several serious candidates.
In turn, this court, consistent with legislative policy, has pointed to the "will of the voters" as the primary guiding principle to be utilized by trial courts in resolving election contests: "The real parties in interest here, not in the legal sense but in realistic terms, are the voters.
Now, the question for Congress, I suppose, would be, though I don't see how this court could get into that question at this stage, but the question would be, is a particular change extending a deadline for exigent circumstances, because a recount has been authorized, a change in the judicial or methods of procedures for resolving the contest?
The Justices provided little guidance about how to resolve such contests in the future.
Mr. Obama has shied away from inserting himself in the still-to-be resolved Senate contests in Georgia and Minnesota.
"Plainly it would be far more preferable if this court could avoid any arguable changes in law and resolve all contests before Dec. 12, 2000, so that legislative action becomes unnecessary," the Legislature's brief says.
Page A6 NATIONAL OBAMA'S BIPARTISAN EFFORTS Offer Window Into Presidency President-elect Barack Obama is working to build a cordial relationship with Republicans by seeking advice on policy proposals and appointments and generally shying away from the still-to-be resolved Senate contests in Georgia and Minnesota.
To win what has been called the Dec. 12 "safe harbor," states must name electors; must do so under rules enacted before Election Day, and must resolve any contests over who the electors are by six days before the meeting of the Electoral College, which is to meet on Dec. 18.
The petition presents the following questions: whether the Florida Supreme Court established new standards for resolving presidential election contests, thereby violating Article II, Section 1, clause 2, of the United States Constitution and failing to comply with 3 U.S.C.
