Nebraska Republicans attempted to legislatively alter and simplify how the state awards its electoral votes in presidential elections, changing to a "winner-takes-all" format based on the statewide popular vote, like 48 other states, versus the current system of allocation based on the outcome in each congressional district, which only Nebraska and Maine employ.

That plan, which would undoubtedly have benefited the GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump, was blocked by the staunch opposition of one state senator -- Democrat-turned-Republican Mike McDonnell, according to the Daily Caller.

The threat of a filibuster by McDonnell, who represents the swing district that includes Omaha, has set the stage for a possible scenario in which his district could be the deciding vote to avoid a potential 269-269 Electoral College tie between Trump and the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, resulting in one or the other winning by just two votes, 270-268.

Right now is "not the moment to make this change"

Nebraska's Republican-majority legislature, backed by Republican Gov. Jim Pillen and former President Trump, hoped to push through a measure to change how the state awards its electoral votes ahead of November's election, but that effort was stymied on Monday by State Sen. McDonnell.

"Elections should be an opportunity for all voters to be heard, no matter who they are, where they live, or what party they support," McDonnell said in a statement. "For decades, Nebraska has tried to live up to that ideal by allocating our electoral college votes in a way that gives all Nebraskans an equal voice in choosing our President."

"For Omaha, the city I love and have called home for 58 years, it brings tremendous national attention, is impactful on our local economy, and forces Presidential candidates to make their case to all Nebraskans, instead of just flying over and disregarding all of us," he continued.

McDonnell noted the recent "conversation" about changing the state to become "winner-takes-all," that he respected the different stances on the issue and that he took the time to "listen carefully" to advocates on "both sides," and said, "After deep consideration, it is clear to me that right now, 43 days from Election Day, is not the moment to make this change."

He made it clear that he would not be further swayed in his decision and suggested that if his colleagues and the governor still wanted to make the change next year, they should attempt to do so by way of a proposed constitutional amendment, "so that the people of Nebraska can once and for all decide this issue the way it should be decided -- on the ballot."

Republicans "disappointed" in McDonnell's decision

The Nebraska Examiner reported that State Sen. McDonnell, the former head of a firefighters' union, was first elected as a Democrat but switched to become a Republican earlier this year because of his pro-life views that are no longer tolerable among his former party mates.

Yet, after his statement on Monday, it is the same Nebraska Democrats who ran him out of their party for standing strong against abortion who are now praising him for being similarly immoveable on the electoral votes issue, while his new Republican colleagues who embraced him when he crossed the partisan aisle are now deeply "disappointed" by his intransigence.

"There is too much at stake in this election for Nebraskans to spare an electoral vote," GOP State Sen. Rob Dover said, as one example. "We should speak as a unified voice."

"That kind of closes the casket," GOP State Sen. Loren Lippincott said of McDonnell's announcement about changing the allocation of electoral votes. "With Mike McDonnell being an absolute no, that kind of closes the lid. We’re going to have to reintroduce this bill in the next session."

Trump rips "Grandstander" McDonnell

Also weighing in on the development was former President Trump, who said in a Truth Social post, "I would like to thank Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska for trying to help the Republican Party simplify the complexity of the State’s Electoral Map. It would have been better, and far less expensive, for everyone!"

"Unfortunately, a Democrat turned Republican(?) State Senator named Mike McDonnell decided, for no reason whatsoever, to get in the way of a great Republican, common sense, victory. Just another 'Grandstander!'" he continued and added, "I LOVE OMAHA, and won it in 2016. Looks like I’ll have to do it again!!!"