Judge Rejects Washington Electors Attempt to Avoid Fine

SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge has rejected an effort by two Democratic presidential electors from Washington state who sought to immediately ensure they won't get fined if they ignore the results of the popular vote in a long shot bid to deny Donald Trump the presidency.

Bret Chiafalo and Levi Guerra took a voluntary pledge to vote for their party's nominee — Hillary Clinton — if she won Washington, which she did.

But they say they might join with other so-called "Hamilton electors" from both parties to choose some other candidate when the Electoral College meets next Monday, saying Trump is unfit for office.

Washington law says electors who break their pledge can be fined up to $1,000.

A lawyer for Chiafalo and Guerra sought an emergency order to block any potential fine.