National Popular Vote Movement seeks support from Missouri legislators

Intro:	A Missouri House Committee heard testimony on a bill that would change the presidential election process, but it's all talk for now.
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Wrap: The bill would give all eleven of Missouri's electoral votes to the presidential candidate receiving the most votes nationwide.

Springfield Republican Representative Lincoln Hough is the bill's sponsor.

He says it encourages candidates to pay more attention to smaller states.

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Description: "In my opinion, it's what does the country as a whole get out of it. And I think we get a theoretically more definitive process for electing our president."

Opponents say the state's electoral votes should be determined by the way Missourians vote, regardless of how the rest of the country votes.

House Elections Committee chairman Tony Dugger says he does not expect his committee to take any action on the bill this session.

From Jefferson City, I'm Helena Kooi.

Intro:	The Missouri legislature has not taken action on a bill that would change the way presidents are elected.
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Wrap: Right now, Missouri awards it's electoral votes to the candidate receiving the state's popular vote.

This bill would allow Missouri's votes to reflect how the country voted as a whole.

The legislation is part of a national movement to weaken the electoral college.

Kansas City-area Republican Representative Myron Neth is concerned about changing the election process.

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Description: "I really disagree with their argument that it would make Missouri or the smaller states more valid. I see just the opposite. We will become less important."

Neth isn't alone.

The committee's Republican chairman says he doesn't expect the bill to go anywhere before the end of the session.

From the state Capitol, I'm Helena Kooi.

Intro:	A bill favoring presidential election by popular vote sees no action in Missouri House committee.
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Wrap: The legislation would award Missouri's electoral votes to the presidential candidate earning the most votes nationwide.

Right now, Missouri's electoral votes reflect the state's popular vote.

House Elections Committee chairman Tony Dugger says it is unlikely the bill will move forward this session.

Even if it did, about half the country would have to adopt the legislation before it could be enacted.

At least 270 electoral votes must be secured under the plan.

So far, the National Popular Vote Act has been adopted by seven states.

From Jefferson City, I'm Helena Kooi.