"We are not going to change the rules in the middle of the game." - Howard Dean
(SALEM, Ore.) - Florida and Michigan could go from having no say in the Democratic nominating process, to deciding who wins the nomination. In other words, officials in Florida may have a chance to be the state that leaves honesty and integrity at the doorstep again, as it has earned a solid reputation for during Presidential election years.
Both states had their delegates stripped by the Democratic National Committee over party rule violations. The reason was that they scheduled their primaries too early.
If the rules are changed, it will violate those agreements both states made in 2006. Both Democratic contenders are trying hard to win the majority of support, and it is no secret that suddenly changing the rules and allowing the two ousted states in could tip the scales in favor of Clinton or Obama.
Between Florida and Michigan, there are 366 pledged delegates and superdelegates. Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, says he is glad to hear that the Governors of Michigan and Florida are willing to lend their weight to help resolve this issue.
"As we've said all along, we strongly encourage the Michigan and Florida state parties to follow the rules, so today's public overtures are good news."
He says the rules, which were agreed to by the full DNC including representatives from Florida and Michigan over 18 months ago, allow for two options.
"First, either state can choose to resubmit a plan and run a process to select delegates to the convention; second, they can wait until this summer and appeal to the Convention Credentials Committee, which determines and resolves any outstanding questions about the seating of delegates. We look forward to receiving their proposals should they decide to submit new delegate selection plans and will review those plans at that time."
Dean says the Democratic Nominee will be determined in accordance with party rules, and out of respect for the presidential campaigns and the states that did not violate party rules, we are not going to change the rules in the middle of the game.
Dean says that all the speculation, we should also remember the overwhelming enthusiasm and turnout that we have already seen, and respect the voters of the twelve states and territories who have yet to have their say."
"As we head towards November, our nominee must have the united support of a strong Democratic Party that's ready to fight and ready to beat John McCain. After seven years of Republican rule, I am confident that we will elect a Democratic president who will fight for America's families in the White House. Now we must hear from the voters in twelve states and territories who have yet to make their voices heard."
Election Rule Violators Florida and Michigan Unwilling to Accept FactsSalem-News.com