In 1961 Richard Nixon (who as vice president was president of the Senate as well as a defeated presidential candidate) had to choose which of two certified sets of returns from Hawaii to accept.

Hawaii's first presidential election was a very close contest. Very close. Initial returns suggested Nixon had won by 141 votes. Democrats called for a recount.

While the recount was under way, the Republican governor certified Nixon's victory. That was premature. The recount showed that Kennedy had prevailed by 115 votes, so there was a second certified vote sent to Washington.

Nixon chose the vote reflecting the recount, which awarded Hawaii's vote to Kennedy.

He did so on sound grounds. Let's see whether this example serves any purpose tomorrow.