Florida and Michigan Are Among Five States That Moved Their Primary Day

There has been much discussion about Florida and Michigan having moved their state election day, but little discussion about the other three states that also moved their election day. Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina moved their election day in violation of DNC rules yet those states were given waivers. All states that broke the rule of moving their primary day should be treated the same.  Thus, the only fair solution to the Florida/Michigan seating problem is to give them waivers just like the other states got. Treating Florida and Michigan in a fair manner in accordance with how the other states were treated would send a powerful message of unity which the Democrats need now in order to get enough voter support to win the general election.

The specific rule stating what primary schedules are allowed is Rule 11.A. The rule that cites penalties for states that move their election day out of bounds is Rule 20.C.1.a. The penalties are a 50% reduction of pledged delegates and a 100% reduction of superdelegates. So, according to the rules five states would lose half their delegates and all their superdelegates. But that's not what happened. Instead, the two states with the most electoral votes and are crucial for the Democrats to win the general election were punished more severely than Rule 20.C.1.a specifies, while the other three states were given no punishment even though all five states violated the same rule (11.A).

If you also believe Florida and Michigan should be treated fairly the following is the link to write a letter to the DNC:
http://www.democrats.org/page/s/contacti ssues

Last month a survey concluded, "Voters in both states do not support evenly-splitting their delegates; 82% of Florida Democrats and 77% of Michigan primary voters support seating delegates on the basis of the early primary results or using a new primary over an evenly-split delegation. Even among supporters of Barack Obama (who would benefit from an even split), only 42% favored this option.

Sources:

SaveTheVoters.org survey
http://www.savethevoters.org/research.ht "DNC Primary Rules/Disenfranchisement of FL & MI Voters" http://www.democracyfornewhampshire.com/node/view/5465 ml

Slate.com, DNC rules
http://fray.slate.com/discuss/forums/thr ead/1285437.aspx



Display:


They broke the rules (2.00 / 2)

why should they get special treatment?
If we want to reform the calender we need to show that we are willing to hold firm on the rules.
Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:39:54 PM EST

answer the question (1.85 / 7)

what about the other states that broke the rules?  Why are they not being punished, why were they given waivers?

This smacks of rigging the election and skewing it towards Obama.  This will be litigated.


by 4justice on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:48:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

They were intended to be the first four states (none / 0)

and moved in reaction to MI.

FL I have slightly more sympathy for but they still broke the rules.


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:53:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

But that is a false argument (none / 0)

since the other  4 states already knew that those primaries did not count...so there was no reason to move...it was in essence a large scale "Straw Poll"


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:16:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: But that is a false argument (none / 0)

Wrong - they counted as half delegations on the Republican side.  So those other four states absolutely DID have to move their primaries; Republicans vote too you know.


I'm voting for Saxby Chambliss!
by Jess81 on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:04:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: answer the question (2.00 / 1)

Yes, because the DNC which was until recently led by Terry McAuliffe, and the Rules and Bylaws Committee which is packed with Clinton supporters, would totally want to skew the contests in Obama's favor.

And the best way to do that would be to not remove all the delegates from Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.  Even though Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada are, demographically, Clinton territory.

God, I need some of whatever y'all are smoking.

But litigate away.  Waste our time and our money.  You remember that Clinton won New Hampshire and Nevada right?  (Well, Obama got the delegate edge in Nevada, but not by much.)  Convince the R&B committee to remove all the delegates from those four states.  It doesn't change the math.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:53:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: answer the question (none / 0)

Nothing skewed to Obama until Clinton lost. Yes, the other 4 get special treatment. It had nothing to do with Obama.


John McCain wants to make abortion illegal
by Lost Thought on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:54:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: answer the question (2.00 / 1)

Small question if this election was going the way Hillary planned and it had all been over by Super Tuesday would you sincerely care about MI and FL or who went first or who didn't.


Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.
by jsfox on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:55:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It has already been litigated (none / 0)

The Hill people lost both times.  Once in December, and once just today.  Try to keep up.


by JJE on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:57:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: answer the question (2.00 / 2)

what about the other states that broke the rules?  Why are they not being punished, why were they given waivers?
I'm a bit astounded that you answered your own question but didn't notice.  Rearrange your post and you'll see it more clearly:

They were given waivers, so they didn't break the rules.  That's why they aren't being punished.


Nos causidicus Obama , ergo nos non suadeo
by rb608 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:06:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"This will be litigated" (2.00 / 2)

Fail.  Thanks for playing...

Why don't you people get it?

First of all, there is nothing to litigate.  The Democrat primaries and caucuses are NOT elections.  It is a private political party polling members and (if they choose, nonmembers) about who they want to support as the party nominee for president.  It is a non-government, private political organization.  It can do whatever it pleases. Make whatever rules it wants.

That being said.  It was a lot of Hillary supporters who decided most of the current rules.


by rf7777 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:06:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You really cannot be this dense. (1.50 / 6)

Yes, other states changed their primary and caucus dates, but these other states did not violate the DNC's rule that Iowa, NH, Nevada and SC go first, and in that order.   Indeed, the rule was, besides those 4 states, every other state could hold their primary or caucus NO FUCKING EARLIER THAN Feb. 5.  

Therefore, California and a host of other states moved their primaries and caucuses up to Feb. 5.

They were being good little states, and obeying the rules.  Florida and Michigan did not behave.  They broke the rules, and deserve punishment.


by Delaware Dem on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:10:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nor can you be this dense (2.00 / 3)

We need Florida and Michigan to win a general election.

Campaign Obama appeared to shy away from re-votes. Now it appears campaign Obama is hoping to POSTPONE the resolution of Michigan and Florida for a few weeks:

"do the right thing regarding the Michigan and Florida Delegate Debacle at the May 31 DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting, which may include postponign the meeting for a few weeks to let the process play out."

No I don't believe you are this dense. Like campaign Obama, you expect us to be dense.

He could so easily wrap up this nomination by resolving Michigan and Florida. But it doesn't appear that he wants to. It also doesn't appear he wants their votes in November.


by catfish2 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:24:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Nor can you be this dense (none / 0)

He's winning Michigan against McCain and he doesn't need Florida.  Frankly, any state that elects Jeb Bush is suspect to begin with.  


by ProgressiveDL on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:43:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Wonder why he's stalling on Michigan? (1.00 / 0)

I have no doubt he's winning in Michigan against McCain. Which makes it all the more odd that he's stalling on a resolution for Michigan, and asking his supporters to urge the committee to stall on a resolution for Michigan:

Call or write a polite, succinct message to key DNC members encouraging them to do the right thing regarding the Michigan and Florida Delegate Debacle at the May 31 DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting, which may include postponing the meeting for a few weeks to let the process play out.


by catfish2 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 04:58:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You really cannot be this dense. (none / 0)

WTF why was this trollrated?


by Builderman on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:41:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You really cannot be this dense. (2.00 / 1)

Because it doesn't support Hillary.

The horror!


by ProgressiveDL on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:43:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You really cannot be this dense. (none / 0)

I'm guessing it was the title of your post.


by Dave B on Wed May 28, 2008 at 04:22:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Stop right there (none / 0)

Put down the Kool Aid.

Now read this:

Of the committee's 30 members, a near-majority of 12 were Clinton supporters. All of them--most notably strategist Harold Ickes--voted for Florida's full disenfranchisement. (The only dissenting vote was cast by a Tallahassee, Fla., city commissioner who supported Obama.) -- Slate

You got that? The Clinton campaign supported this ruling, and did this willingly. Do you think they would have done that if they thought it would skew the primaries in Obama's favor?

Do you think they're that dumb? Really?


Finding God in a Dog
by maxomai on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:18:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And Hillary Changed her mind the day before the FL (none / 0)

non-existent primary


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:18:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

did they ask? (none / 0)

Did MI and FL even ask for waivers at the time?

I don't know the answer ... I actually want to know.


by N in Seattle on Wed May 28, 2008 at 05:45:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: answer the question (none / 0)

If ignorance is bliss you must be a very happy person.


by LionelEHutz on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:09:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They broke the rules (2.00 / 3)

why should they get special treatment?
These states were among many who sought and applied for their early spots on the basis of several factors including ethnic diversity, geographic diversity, and economic diversity including union density.  

An excellent diary is already up answering your question, but the short answer is that the DNC wanted a specific group of states to go first.  FL and MI interfered with that intent and the rules created for that purpose, so the DNC allowed those pre-window states to advance their dates.

These states did not break the rules, they abided by the process in place.


Nos causidicus Obama , ergo nos non suadeo
by rb608 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:03:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They broke the rules (none / 0)

OH, now we are inferring intent into the rules...if that was the intent...

1. Then no waiver would have been needed
2. It should have been explicitly included in the rules as a remedy for states who break the calender rules


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:37:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They broke the rules (none / 0)

What idiotic rules did they break. Not having their primaries before the first Super Tuesday Primaries on Feb 5 2008. What if FL and MI had their primaries after IA,NH,NV,and SC but before February 5 2008. What if they had their primaries on Saturday February 2 2008. Would they have lost their delegates.


by nkpolitics on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:21:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: They broke the rules (none / 0)

What idiotic rules did they break. Not having their primaries before the first Super Tuesday Primaries on Feb 5 2008. What if FL and MI had their primaries after IA,NH,NV,and SC but before February 5 2008. What if they had their primaries on Saturday February 2 2008. Would they have lost their delegates.


by nkpolitics on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:30:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan (2.00 / 4)

Florida and Michigan messed with the primary calendar against the spirit of the rules.  That's why they were not given waivers, and I agree with that ruling.


by Reaper0Bot0 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:42:21 PM EST

"the only fair solution" (none / 0)

yea, not so much.


by Slim Tyranny on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:42:58 PM EST

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (2.00 / 3)

So, your reasoning is that if ANY state gets a waiver to adjust their date, then ALL states should be entitled to do so with or without DNC approval?

Look forward to the 2012 Pennsylvania primary taking place...

in January of 2010.


by Reeves on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:43:43 PM EST

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (2.00 / 3)

Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina moved their election day in violation of DNC rules yet those states were given waivers. All states that broke the rule of moving their primary day should be treated the same.  Thus, the only fair solution to the Florida/Michigan seating problem is to give them waivers just like the other states got.

You ignore the key reason those four states were given waivers: the DNC said that those four states were the only ones allowed to go before February 5.  Michigan and Florida were not given permission to go before February 5, and thus should suffer a penalty for breaking the rules.

If MI and FL don't suffer a penalty, there will be two consequences:

1. The Democratic Party will have broken faith with those voters who didn't vote in the Democratic primary in FL and MI, trusting the Party and all the candidates when they said the FL and MI elections wouldn't count.  They should not be disenfranchised for believing what the national party and all the candidates said.

2. It will be impossible for the DNC to hold any state to a future primary calendar, thus derailing any chance at reforming the primary campaign system.  After all, if the DNC decides to change things up and let another state go first, IA and NH will have precedent for moving their primaries ahead without penalty.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:44:14 PM EST

incorrect (2.00 / 2)

There was a schedule and any state that moved their election day beyond the schedule limits violated the rules.  That's a fact.  You can argue all day about which month the elections were in but the rules specifically stated that it is a violation to change the election day beyond the limits set by the schedule.  All six states violated the rules, thus they should all be given waivers not just four states.


by Nancy Kallitechnis on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:39:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: incorrect (none / 0)

What don't you get about the fact that the other 4 states only moved in response to Michigan and Florida?  Michigan and Florida cheated, so the other 4 had to "cheat" to move the order back to what the DNC originally wanted.  I thought only Republicans value the letter of the law over the spirit of the law?


by ProgressiveDL on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:45:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

There is nothing in the rules (none / 0)

that allows this as written...that is why they were given a waiver

So 6 states violated the rules as written, only 2 were punished...but not according to the explicit written rules..due to waivers issued.

The 4 states that moved their primaries had no reason to do since it had been noted at the time that these primaries were really just expensive "straw polls" and had no meaning


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:23:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There is nothing in the rules (none / 0)

Again, those 4 states moved because of Florida and Michigan.  The 4 were supposed to go first, according to the DNC.  Maybe that's a dumb idea (I think it is), but that was what the DNC wanted at the time.  They did not want Florida and Michigan (which already had a huge influence due to their delegate counts) going among the top 4.


by ProgressiveDL on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:27:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There is nothing in the rules (none / 0)

as black letter law that says these four states get to go first...the black letter law had specific dates that the primaries could not be held prior to...that is the reason they were given a waiver...

Show me the black letter text that shows that these 4 states can move their primaries whenever they want to if another state violates the primary calander...You won't find it because there is none...

Again veryone knew these primaries were meaningless "straw polls" so there was no reason for a waiver


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:34:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: incorrect (none / 0)

And again you ignore the crux of the problem: why did FL and MI get penalized, while the other four states didn't?

The answer is that those four states were approved by the DNC to go before February 5.  FL and MI were not.  Those are facts.

The Democratic Party is being consistent: Any state given permission by the Party to put its primary date before February 5 would not be penalized for moving their date to keep it first.  Any state not given that permission is penalized simply for moving their date to before February 5.

You didn't answer the other two objections either.  Should voters in FL and MI who didn't vote be disenfranchised and punished for taking the DNC and the candidates at their word?

And what happens in four years - well, more like two years - when there's a mad rush to be first, and the DNC is powerless to stop it?


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:47:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

Do you guys and gals that are against FL being counted realize that this is something a Republican governor and legislature did to us? And do you also realize that they are also screwing us in Fla out of ever having a Presidential primary count? And you think this is fair and democratic? Unbelievable, just unbelievable.
by mztower on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:15:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

You really can't make that case, not after the YouTube from last week with the Democratic party chair in FL making it obvious that they wanted the early date.  This was done in concert with FL Democrats.  


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:32:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

Do you guys and gals that are against FL being counted realize that this is something a Republican governor and legislature did to us?

Here's FL State Senate Democratic leader Steve Geller:

Yeah.  It's all the Republicans' fault...


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:38:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

The "yes" vote was almost unanimous in the legislature.


by vinc on Wed May 28, 2008 at 04:13:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Is this snark? (2.00 / 3)

Serious question.


by bobdoleisevil on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:44:36 PM EST

what a tired response (2.00 / 2)

I know you obama people think this is cute to ask whether its snark or not.  That way you can discount and insult the diarist and ideas without actually saying so.  Just like your candidate.

Deal with this, don't discount the question. Try substance, you might like it.  Otherwise one is left to conclude that you agree with the diarist and don't have any substantive points to make.


by 4justice on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:52:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what a tired response (none / 0)

Probably ought to tell that to alegre then. :)


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:54:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You should troll rate it (2.00 / 1)

and get all your friends to do so as well.  Put up a comment at No Quarter and Hillis44 calling for people to come TR it.


by JJE on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:55:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You should troll rate it (none / 0)

Good call. Because troll rates don't count unless lots of people do it, in which case everyone who did it loses their rating privileges.


Stop the racism. Fight the smears.
by CrazyDrumGuy on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:03:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Is this serious? (none / 0)

Snark question.


by JimR on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:03:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't blame New Hampshire (2.00 / 2)

I'm not entirely certain about South Carolina, Nevada, or Iowa, but New Hampshire state law requires that New Hampshire have the first primary in the nation.  If another state moves up their primary date to before New Hampshire's, then New Hampshire's is automatically moved to before it by law.

When Michigan moved its primary to 1/15, New Hampshire was forced to move it earlier (and thus beyond the deadline set by the DNC).  But it was Michigan's action, not New Hampshire's, that caused that violation.

I have a feeling the other states are in a similar position.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:48:12 PM EST

Though, to be fair, (2.00 / 2)

it IS New Hampshire's OWN state law that "forced" the move.  That's weak ground to stand on.


by Slim Tyranny on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:52:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Though, to be fair, (2.00 / 1)

Is it?  I doubt they could have changed the law in the limited timeframe they had (November to January) even if they were willing to do so.

The point is that Michigan pushed, not NH/NV/SC/IA.  Those four states had no need to push.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:56:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Though, to be fair, (none / 0)

I agree that Michigan pushed, and I agree with the outcome.

However, despite where the "real" fault lies, the NH  state law is fairly ridiculous.  Never mind changing the law in the limited timeframe, why have the law in the first place?


by Slim Tyranny on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:58:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Though, to be fair, (2.00 / 1)

Oh, I agree that the law is stupid.  The whole concept of IA, NV, NH, and SC being the first contests just because they've always been the first contests is ludicrous.

But them's the rules that everyone agreed on before this contest began.  We ought to change it for 2012, not be trying to change it for 2008.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:14:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Though, to be fair, (2.00 / 3)

I agree with that, especially since the DNC backed up the arrangement.

Long-term, a new system seems to be needed, with some sort of rotating primary/caucus system.

But yea, the complaints about Michigan and Florida are pretty terrible --- these two states KNEW they were breaking the rules and KNEW no waivers would be forthcoming --- they played chicken with their own constituents' votes and lost.  The Democratic Party needs to enforce a punishment, or it will be a race to the bottom, and no one wins that.


by Slim Tyranny on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:22:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

infinite regress (none / 0)

I keep waiting for some other state to enact a law exactly like New Hampshire's.

Every presidential primary in NH and the other state, for every cycle from that point forward and forever, will have to take place immediately.


by N in Seattle on Wed May 28, 2008 at 05:51:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't blame New Hampshire (none / 0)

OK so maybe NH had a case (albiet a small one) due to legal issues...the other 3 had no such excuses...

I don't know about you but there were no sanctioned primaries scheduled before NH legal primary date...they were in effect really expensive "straw Polls"

I do not have the text of the NH law but does it permit other states having straw polls as well...


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:27:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

"What about the other states that broke the rules?"

You DO understand what a waiver is, right?

No rules broken.


by Reeves on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:55:22 PM EST

BTW what is up (none / 0)

with the pi symbol in the lower right that leads to a Rick Roll?


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:57:24 PM EST

Re: BTW what is up (none / 0)

Whoa... I'd never noticed that.  It only seems to be on this page.


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:02:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BTW what is up (none / 0)

I've seen it on some other pages too...  But not all of them.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:15:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BTW what is up (none / 0)

I've been too scared to click on it.


But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
by thezzyzx on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:32:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BTW what is up (none / 0)

It appears magically on troll diaries.


by Builderman on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:45:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: blah who cares (2.00 / 0)

People should just nod their head, say "mhmm, good to know" and move on. Let the DNC sort this out - Obama supporters will not convince Hillary supporters and vice versa - just let it play out and it will be over.
Congratulations Steny Hoyer! Our 2008 Chickenshit Leader Of The Year!
by RockvilleLiberal2 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 01:59:20 PM EST

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (2.00 / 2)

The other states moved to reassert the original agreed upon order, therefore keeping with the spirit of the rules. That is why they will not be penalized.


by IowaMike on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:04:31 PM EST

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (2.00 / 1)

If rules are rules, every states should be treated squarely equal.  Why some states got explained away, granted exception, with no penalty?  

Where in FL, GOP moved the date and FL DEM can't do anything to control it, but FL received the maximum penalty.

How is that fair?


by JoeySky18 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:45:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

I explained why they were given the waivers, to correct what the rule breakers broke. Those four states getting the waivers only got them because of the rule breakers.  

In MI, Dems did the same thing. My in-laws in MI are mad at their state legislature and gov. They think its crappy what happen but also say that changing the rules now is more unfair. They realize their state broke the rules and now have to pay the penalty. And no, they aren't Obama people.


by IowaMike on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:53:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

But if everyone knew that... (none / 0)

they were just large straw polls and did not count for anything then they should not have been granted waivers


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:28:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: NH was fine with new FL date (2.00 / 2)

The state of NH actually put out a public statement that NH was/is ok with Florida's new primary date of 01/29 because it still followed all the earlier states.


by moevaughn on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:36:20 PM EST

Re: NH was fine with new FL date (none / 0)

Well, NH isn't the DNC. And many states that FL jumped ahead of weren't happy with them.

Heck, why have rules anyway?


by IowaMike on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:55:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Our Democratic leadership made a mess (2.00 / 2)

It's time to do away with caucuses, period. What's this about New Hampshire having in it's state law that it has to be first among primaries? What if every state made a law like that?

Is New Hampshire's law to be honored more than Florida's law, put in effect this year, which named the date the primary had to be held?

It's all quite confusing, but there is one thing for sure, every primary vote needs to be counted. Anything less stinks to high heaven.


by LA on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:44:18 PM EST

Re: Our Democratic leadership made a mess (none / 0)

The state legislatures and govs of MI and FL made this mess. My non-Obama supporting in-laws in MI realize that fact.


by IowaMike on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:57:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (2.00 / 1)

Nevada actually didn't move their date.

The original calendar was supposed to be
Iowa: 1/14
Nevada: 1/19
NH: 1/22
SC: 1/29

Then FL moved to 1/29, and MI moved to 1/15.  NH law says they have to be a week before the next primary, so 1/8 was as late as they could legally go.  IA moved to 1/3 to keep ahead of NH.  Then SC moved to get away from FL.  Nevada stayed where they were, meaning NH jumped over them and they ended up out of order.

So IA, NH, and SC got waivers because they had good reasons to move that couldn't have been brought up in 2006, Nevada didn't because they never moved.


by HEAP on Wed May 28, 2008 at 02:44:57 PM EST

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

You can't have it both ways.  Florida was supposedly invalidated.  So why would South Carolina need to move to get away from an invalidated meaningless primary.  If the need for SC to get away from Florida was legitimate, then that must mean that Florida's primary was meaningful and should thus be counted.

Right?


Jim Martin for Senate!
by markjay on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:13:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

The primary wasn't "invalidated"--it was still held, and it was still a primary.

It was just a primary for zero delegates, because that's how many delegates the state of Florida was assigned by the DNC.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:43:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

But the Republicans didn't invalidate Florida, and the Republican state government moved up THEIR primary.

So the SC Democrats had four options: primary with the Republicans on the 26th, caucus on the 29th, caucus after February 5th, or lose their delegates.

The first two both required a waiver, since the rules only allowed for a primary on the 29th.  The last two defeated the whole point of scheduling a demographically-balanced January in the first place.

So to save their schedule, the DNC gave them a waiver, and while they were at it let them have the 26th, because the only significance of the 29th was to put them exactly a week after NH on the 22nd, which wasn't even there anymore.


by HEAP on Wed May 28, 2008 at 06:39:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States That (none / 0)

But the Republicans didn't invalidate Florida, and the Republican state government moved up THEIR primary.

Good answer.


Jim Martin for Senate!
by markjay on Wed May 28, 2008 at 08:33:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

All the campaigns agreed.... (none / 0)

...to issue those wavers. And as for who disenfranchized those voters:

Of the committee's 30 members, a near-majority of 12 were Clinton supporters. All of them--most notably strategist Harold Ickes--voted for Florida's full disenfranchisement. (The only dissenting vote was cast by a Tallahassee, Fla., city commissioner who supported Obama.) -- Slate

Just so y'all know.


Finding God in a Dog
by maxomai on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:04:46 PM EST

4 states first (none / 0)

The whole point of the rules was to preserve the 4 states first schedule. That's why Hillary signed the 4 states pledge and her surrogates voted to sanction FL & MI and not the 4 states. Hillary was instrumental in the sanctions and in making the rules.

Could there be a better way to organize the primaries? Certainly, but Clinton's people when they were in the drivers seat never made any effort to do so. It also would have been a lot better if they had not used the scanction Terry M. had threatened MI with when he was chair and did what the Republicans did instead.  Let the candidates campaign and give everyone half a vote. We would not be trying to sort out this mess now.

Now you have 2 groups of voters who you need to deal with those who voted and those who did not because Hillary and the DNC told them that the votes would not count. Both groups represent as much as a million voters. Of course Hillary is just concerned with what will benefit her. Demanding that Obama get zero votes in MI because that is the best reflection of the will of the voters? Laughable. I mean that is really over the top pathetically and transparently BS.

Everyone agreed to the rules going in. Hillary was absolutely clear where she stood. She was public about her support for the sanctions and the pledge "not to campaign and NOT TO PARTICIPATE". Keeping her name on the MI ballot was a violation of her pledge not to participate and so is her demanding a benefit from the election she pledged not to participate in. So spare us all the phony crocodile tears now.

The DNC will seat the delegations and preserve a penalty to avoid future chaos. Hillary's self serving grandstanding is just pissing off the Supers and committee members she is hoping to win over.


by hankg on Wed May 28, 2008 at 03:21:50 PM EST

Re: 4 states first (none / 0)

The whole point of the rules was to preserve the 4 states first schedule. That's why Hillary signed the 4 states pledge and her surrogates voted to sanction FL & MI and not the 4 states. Hillary was instrumental in the sanctions and in making the rules.

I've seen this argument so many times and never bothered to reply because it just seems so intellectually dishonest.

Hillary signed the 4 states pledge (and earlier acquiesced to Florida and Michigan being severely punished without speaking up) because she was blackmailed, plain and simple.  If she had had it in her power to prevent the disenfranchisement of Florida and Michigan, does anybody doubt that she would have done so?  Florida, after all, has always been one of her stronger states, and Michigan was also a strong state for her then.

However, since she didn't have the power to prevent this disenfranchisement, if she refused to sign the 4-state pledge key elected officials in Iowa and New Hampshire would have turned aggressively against her, hurting her chances of winning those states and getting the nomination.

The fact that she didn't speak out on this before the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries is no indication that she agreed with it.  It's simply an indication that, to do so, would have been political suicide.  And that's why NO presidential candidate will ever speak out against the "privileged" position of Iowa and New Hampshire.

So, if you wish, congratulate Iowa and New Hampshire for holding the presidential campaigns hostage once again.  But don't pretend that Hillary wanted it that away, just because she was blackmailed against opposing it.


Jim Martin for Senate!
by markjay on Wed May 28, 2008 at 04:18:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 4 states first (none / 0)

So what you're saying is, Hillary Clinton compromised her deeply-held convictions because she wanted votes in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Seems like FL and MI could have used her as a champion back when it would have been politically dangerous but potentially effective instead of now when it is completely harmless but also totally symbolic.


Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics
by BishopRook on Wed May 28, 2008 at 04:31:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 4 states first (none / 0)

I'm saying that everyone who has ever run for president in the last several decades has groveled to the altar of Iowa and New Hampshire, including Barack Obama.  Do you think deep in his heart he believes that Iowa and New Hampshire have some God-given right to go first?


Jim Martin for Senate!
by markjay on Wed May 28, 2008 at 04:59:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 4 states first (none / 0)

Yes every candidate is afraid to cross Iowa and NH. which is why the system has lasted as long as it has. But Hillary along with the party and all the other candidates went along with it.

That meant that the elections in those states would not be representative of anything like the will of the voters. You can't have your cake and eat it to. You can't throw MI & FL under the bus when it works to your advantage and then discover your principals when that will help you. Hillary told voters their vote wouldn't count and more then a million stayed home. Now she wants to claim no one wanted to vote for Obama in MI? That's what she calls standing on principal.

Please it is transparently self-serving.


by hankg on Wed May 28, 2008 at 05:13:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 4 states first (none / 0)

"That meant that the elections in those states would not be representative of anything like the will of the voters. You can't have your cake and eat it to."

The states I am referring to are MI & FL.


by hankg on Wed May 28, 2008 at 05:16:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

order (none / 0)

There is also a rational reason the party acted as it did. You can't have states leap froging each other in a free for all over who will be first. Other wise you will be starting the primaries as soon as the previous election ends. There has to be some party discipline or you will have chaos.

Tradition has the 4 states going first every election. That may not be fair but it is better then every state trying to be first. It is a complex issue that can't be sorted out while a primary is underway. Iowa will not want to give up it's caucus and the attention it gets, etc. The party will need to work that out between elections.

The CLintons made no attempt to reform the system when they had the chance. They certainly had more influence in the process then anyone and not just this election cycle. So Hillary's sudden concern is really a joke.


by hankg on Wed May 28, 2008 at 05:54:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: order (none / 0)

and a 50% reductions as stated in the "black letter" rules would have discouraged that in the future...and not shooting out selves in the foot


by dvogel001 on Wed May 28, 2008 at 09:31:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Florida and Michigan Are Among Six States (2.00 / 1)

It is always hilarious to see the Obama supporters on this site who will not hesitate to slander and slime anyone they disagree with start stupporting the rules. Honetly, it makes me laugh outloud.


by linfar on Wed May 28, 2008 at 06:36:19 PM EST


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