Trump Nets Pennsylvania's 20 Electoral Votes For President Amid Protests Outside
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS/AP) — Over the objections of hundreds of protesters, Pennsylvania's presidential electors Monday afternoon cast their 20 votes for Donald Trump.
Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania by fewer than 45,000 votes out of more than 6 million cast, or by less than 1 percent.
A number of arrests were made as protesters chanted and sang on the steps of the state capitol and later in the rotunda inside. They carried signs urging electors to, among other things, "dump Trump" and "save our democracy."
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Dozens contested the election results, asking the 20 men and women casting their votes to not vote for Trump.
During the larger protests, Harrisburg police arrested nearly a dozen immigration activists when they blocked the street near the capitol building. Those protesters were there as immigration advocates. Harrisburg Police did not arrest any Trump protesters.
But on the floor of the House, Democratic Governor Tom Wolf was full of praise for Pennsylvania's electors, saying they should be honored to take part in a bit of history.
"Savor the walk you take to the ballot box. Enjoy it," Wolf said. "And know that you are performing an act that echoes back throughout American history. It's the same action that has been carried out by Pennsylvanians for centuries."
A few moments later, Pennsylvania's electors did walk to a ballot box on the House floor, casting their 20 votes for president-elect Donald Trump.
The result led to clapping from supporters and boos from the gallery, with yells of "Shame on You."
Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes are fifth-most in the nation, and gave Trump a critical boost to winning the White House when he became the first Republican since 1988 to win the state.
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