Trump tactics to overturn election could have staying power

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2020, file photo, Republican poll watcher Douglas Bucklin, center, observes as Schuylkill County Election Bureau Director Albert L. Gricoski, left, and staffer Christine Marmas, right, open provisional ballots in Pottsville, Pa. Even after he exits the White House, President Donald Trump's scorched-earth strategy of challenging the legitimacy of elections and seeking to overturn the will of the voters by any means necessary could have staying power. (Lindsey Shuey/Republican-Herald via AP, File) FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2020, file photo, Republican poll watcher Douglas Bucklin, center, observes as Schuylkill County Election Bureau Director Albert L. Gricoski, left, and staffer Christine Marmas, right, open provisional ballots in Pottsville, Pa. Even after he exits the White House, President Donald Trump's scorched-earth strategy of challenging the legitimacy of elections and seeking to overturn the will of the voters by any means necessary could have staying power. (Lindsey Shuey/Republican-Herald via AP, File)

By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY / Associated Press December 6, 2020 7 min read

ATLANTA – Even after he exits the White House, President Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the election could have staying power.

Trump’s tactics are inspiring other candidates and have been embraced by a wide array of Republicans. Supporters include congressional candidates, state lawmakers, party chairs, conservative legal groups and appointees to previously little-known state vote-certification boards.

The breadth of support for Trump’s effort could be an ongoing boon for his allies and a troubling sign for his adversaries.

“What this president is doing is poisoning democracy,” former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said. “And, yes, he is setting a precedent, suggesting that it is OK to violate these norms that have made our country great.”

Granholm, a Democrat, joined with former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican, to raise concerns about Trump’s refusal to concede and embrace the nation’s tradition of a peaceful transfer of power despite being 7 million votes behind.