Senator Mike Lee of Utah has raised concerns about Senator Bob Casey's refusal to concede the Pennsylvania election, suggesting that the Senate could refuse to seat him if he continues to rely on what Lee calls 'illegal votes.' Lee cited Article I, Sec. 5, Cl. 1, which gives each House the authority to judge the Elections, Returns, and Qualifications of its own Members.
The Pennsylvania Senate race is currently undergoing a recount after Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick won by a narrow margin triggering an automatic recount under state law. Despite multiple outlets calling the race, Casey has refused to concede, insisting on waiting until all votes are counted.
However, questions have arisen regarding the validity of the votes Casey is pushing to include in the final count. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that ballots lacking required signatures and dates should not be included in official results, a ruling that Democratic officials in Philadelphia and surrounding counties are disregarding.
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a Democrat, expressed a lack of concern for the court's ruling, stating that people violate laws as they please, emphasizing the importance of counting all votes.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley accused Pennsylvania Democrats of attempting to 'steal' the election from McCormick by counting what he deems as illegal ballots. Whatley emphasized the Democrats' actions as a blatant disregard for the law.
Senator Lee has called on Casey to end the dispute voluntarily and allow McCormick to assume his Senate seat. Lee urged Casey to concede, stating that it is time to move forward.
