http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2008/2/18/325902.htmlFlorida democrats turned out in record numbers for the state's earliest-ever presidential primary in January. But it was so early, it violated party rules and as a result their votes didn't count.
That's why state house minority leader Dan Gelber has a plan for a new primary contest by mail. If approved, Florida's 210 democratic delegates would finally be awarded and they could put Clinton or Obama over the top and avoid a messy dogfight that could jeopardize the party's hopes of winning the White House in November.
"I just wanted the idea out there because I felt like we needed to start thinking about what happens if the planets align most unfavorably to Florida," Gelber said. "We need to be thinking about that and have some kind of exit strategy."
Holding a vote-by-mail election could cost the Democrats upwards of $4 million. There's also the ethical cost of changing the rules after the fact, which is perfect fodder for Republicans who say not so fast.