Florida and Michigan are crazy if they don’t “re”-vote

[Demeter]

http://www.lastchancedemocracycafe.com/?p=1289


As the Democratic Governor of Michigan (pro-Clinton) and the Republican Governor of Florida (pro-McCain) continue to posture over their states’ Democratic delegates, or more to the point, their states’ lack of Democratic delegates, let me ask a stupid question: Just why was it, again, that both states pushed up the dates of their primaries in the first place?

Oh yeah, now I remember: they wanted to have more impact in the selection of the nominees.

Well, have I got a deal for them!

Seriously, why wouldn’t both of these states jump at the chance to “re”-vote, when doing so would give them the very real opportunity to potentially pick the Democratic nominee? And don’t tell me it’s about money. The highest estimate of the cost I’ve heard for Florida is $25 million, which is chicken feed in the grand scheme of things.

The budget for the State of Florida, by way of comparison, is $72 billion.

Besides, I don’t believe for a second that Florida, Michigan or even the Democratic Party would actually have to come up with the dough. Thanks to 30 plus years of growing economic inequality, this country is filled with people for whom $25 million is pocket change. I have no doubt that private financing could easily be arranged.

I’m not ready to propose selling corporate naming rights: “The Federal Express Florida Democratic Primary?” No, don’t think so. But I’ll bet there’s a billionaire or two out there who’d happily fork over $25 or even $50 million in return for nothing more than the good publicity that would come from the appearance of helping American democracy function properly.

You could argue, I suppose, that as an Obama supporter I should be against this: at least arguably, both Florida and Michigan are the types of states where Hillary tends to run well. But I don’t care. That’s democracy. I won’t stand for a second the idea of the current unfairly selected slates of delegates being seated. But if these states vote fair and square, then let the chips fall where they may.

Update: Howard Dean agrees.

[iamjoy]

1. I Wouldn't Count On That Money

I wouldn't count on that money be forthcoming. Florida's economy is a mess (thanks to 10 years of Republican rule) and I don't think our Republican legislature and governor are going to come up with the money to help Democratic voices be heard.

I don't see any Daddy Warbucks bailing us out of this one either.

[thunder rising]

2. This is silliness. FL and MI are out.

[ngant17]

3. The debate was settled from last year

August 2007 New York Times

Democrats Take a Tough Line on Florida Primary

The Democratic National Committee, threatening to take the toughest line possible, voted Saturday to refuse to seat any Florida Democrat at the Democratic presidential convention in 2008 if the state party did not delay the date of its 2008 primary to conform to the party's nominating calendar.

The committee gave Florida Democrats 30 days to propose a primary date that conformed with Democratic rules prohibiting all but four states from holding their primaries or caucuses before Feb. 5. But Florida leaders, who seemed stunned by a near-unanimous vote and the severity of the punishment, said they were doubtful they could come up with an alternative.
-----------------------------------------

That was democracy in action. Florida lost, so why make up some new rules after the game is over and you want to play it again and again until you win?

[Birthmark]

4. There is no reason for another vote in FL

We had a record turnout. All of the candidates were on the ballot.

MI is a bit messier. A vote there would really be the *first* vote.

[Demeter]

5. What Would MadFloridian Say To That?

As a Michigander, I heartily agree that Michigan must revote. The "primary" was a scam.

[Birthmark]

6. I believe his response was

...a long list of people who weren't me that to madfloridian "justified" disenfranchising me. It degenerated from there. :)

[BearSquirrel2]

7. Because nobody campaigned ...

People showed up watched a non event then voted on the winner. If there was no campaign, there was no election. Everyone who showed up knew their presidential nominating vote would not count.

The remaining option is to hold caucuses to select delegates. It was good enough for Hillary in New Hampshire, why not Florida????


I will tell you why Hillary does NOT want revotes in MI and FL. She KNOWS she cannot beat Obama on the delegate count. However, she also knows with the MI and FL delegations out of play she can DENY Obama a majority to win on the first ballot. Once the first ballot is over, EVERY delegate is free to vote for whom they please. She is trying to broker the convention and planning on bribing and bullying her way to the nomination.

If MI and FL revotes, Hillary may win again. In FL I think it's likely. But Obama would also likely pick up enough delegates to get the majority of delegates he needs.

THAT my friends is why Hillary Clinton is against revoting in FL and MI.