March 17, 2008
No FL Revote
Bad news for HRC ...
FL Dem Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman, in a statement:
"Last week, the Florida Democratic Party laid out the only existing way that we can comply with DNC Rules - a statewide revote run by the Party - and asked for input. Thousands of people responded. We spent the weekend reviewing your messages, and while your reasons vary widely, the consensus is clear: Florida doesn't want to vote again. So we won't.
"A party-run primary or caucus has been ruled out, and it's simply not possible for the state to hold another election, even if the Party were to pay for it. Republican Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio refuses to even consider that option. Florida is finally moving to paper ballots, which is a good thing, but it means that at least 15 counties do not have the capacity to handle a major election before the June 10th DNC primary deadline. This doesn't mean that Democrats are giving up on Florida voters. It means that a solution will have to come from the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee, which is scheduled to meet again in April."
Full statement after the jump.
Dear Florida Democrat,
For a year now, the Florida Democratic Party has tried to comply with the Delegate Selection Rules of the Democratic National Committee.
We researched every potential alternative process - from caucuses to county conventions to mail-in elections - but no plan could come anywhere close to being viable in Florida.
We made a detailed case to the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee, but we were denied.
Our Democratic legislators in Tallahassee tried to set the Florida primary on Feb. 5, instead of Jan. 29, but of course, their proposed amendment to House Bill 537 was greeted with laughter and derision from the Republicans who control the state government.
Does '537' ring a bell? It should. It's the number of votes that separated Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore in Florida in 2000.
It's the number that sent this country and this world in a terrible direction.
We can't let 537 - or the Republicans - determine our future again.
President Bush plans to stop in Florida tomorrow to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Republican National Committee's efforts to elect his successor in November.
The last thing America needs is a third Bush term. Despite the widespread anxiety that working families feel, not to mention the broad agreement among economists that we are in a recession, President Bush and John McCain blindly believe that the economy is strong.
And let me remind you that John McCain endorsed President Bush's decision to deny health care to thousands of Florida children by vetoing an expansion of the successful SCHIP program. McCain also promises to jeopardize the financial security of Florida seniors by privatizing Social Security. He continually threatens to push Florida's military families to the brink by keeping American troops in Iraq for "100 years" or more.
This is why we are Democrats, and this is why we must stick together, no matter where this ongoing delegate debate takes us.
Last week, the Florida Democratic Party laid out the only existing way that we can comply with DNC Rules - a statewide revote run by the Party - and asked for input.
Thousands of people responded. We spent the weekend reviewing your messages, and while your reasons vary widely, the consensus is clear: Florida doesn't want to vote again.
So we won't.
A party-run primary or caucus has been ruled out, and it's simply not possible for the state to hold another election, even if the Party were to pay for it. Republican Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio refuses to even consider that option. Florida is finally moving to paper ballots, which is a good thing, but it means that at least 15 counties do not have the capacity to handle a major election before the June 10th DNC primary deadline.
This doesn't mean that Democrats are giving up on Florida voters. It means that a solution will have to come from the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee, which is scheduled to meet again in April.
When this committee stripped us of 100% of our delegates last year, some members summed up their reasoning by saying, "The rules are the rules." Unfortunately, the rules did not apply to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina when they, too, violated the DNC calendar by moving from their assigned dates.
As the late great Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "We must adjust our ideas to the facts of today... Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are."
The Florida Democratic Party has stuck to its principles throughout this debate. We've remained open-minded while never wavering from our commitment to an open and fair election that would allow all Florida Democrats to participate, whether serving in Iraq, retiring in Boca, studying abroad or entertaining at a theme park.
Another late great President -Abraham Lincoln, a Republican - said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
If Democrats heed this wisdom, we will win in November.
America needs a great president again, but a President McCain will settle for the status quo and carry on the disastrous Bush tradition.
President Clinton or President Obama will make history and lead this nation in a new direction.
Let's remember this as the delegate debate continues. We must stick together as Democrats. The stakes are too high and the opportunities too great.
I will keep you posted on any major developments. Thank you for your concern and your commitment.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party
Posted at 06:01 PM
Comments
Is karen Thurman trying to say in her letter to the Democrats that the Republicans would not let the democrats hold thier primary after Jan 29th knowing full well that the democrats would loose thier delegates if that is true why have we not heard about it in the main news
Peter | 03.17.08 07:13 PM
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peter the fact is both party's in Florida made a collective agreement to move the contest date up is wasn't the governor or th republicans alone it takes 2/3 vote to move an election date up in Florida.
loren | 03.17.08 07:29 PM
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So much talk and condemnationa about Obama's relationship to Rev. Jeremiah Wright . . . does anyone remember Bill Clinton, currently a close adviser to Hillary Clinton, who lied to every citizen of the USA and the world about his acts adultery? That is far more controversial than any remarks a pastor makes during his sermon, and Hillary knew about it years ago. Why didn't she distance herself from him when she first heard about it?
Linda Diane | 03.17.08 07:38 PM
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So much talk and condemnationa about Obama's relationship to Rev. Jeremiah Wright . . . does anyone remember Bill Clinton, currently a close adviser to Hillary Clinton, who lied to every citizen of the USA and the world about his acts adultery? That is far more controversial than any remarks a pastor makes during his sermon, and Hillary knew about it years ago. Why didn't she distance herself from him when she first heard about it?
Linda Diane | 03.17.08 07:39 PM
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So much talk and condemnation about Obama's relationship to Rev. Jeremiah Wright . . . does anyone remember Bill Clinton, currently a close adviser to Hillary Clinton, who lied to every citizen of the USA and the world about his acts adultery? That is far more controversial than any remarks a pastor makes during his sermon, and Hillary knew about it years ago. Why didn't she distance herself from him when she first heard about it?
Linda Diane | 03.17.08 07:39 PM
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It is clear that the Obamas held these views long before they moved to Chicago, because Michelle Obama wrote her thesis at Princeton, which is coincidentally under lock and key until after the election, hypothesizing an anti white, separatist type of thinking. One can assume that they sought out a church that mirrored their views when they moved to Chicago. It is frightening that Americans and politicians can endorse a candidate who sat there and listened to anti semitic and anti American rants for 20 years.
Regarding the vote in Florida, how would anyone of you criticizing the voters here like to give up your right to vote and choose the candidate of your choice. This is American, Howard Dean, and you need to do the right thing. Our primary was valid, and who cares if losing hurts Obama's feelings??? Maybe he should give up a state he won.
April | 03.17.08 09:52 PM
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Yes, Peter, the Republican dominated legislature voted to move up the Florida primary. Democrats tried to amend that and even tried to sue them. But you know how the boys in the Florida leglislature likes to mess with Democratic voters. Howard Dean, who is an Obama supporter, decided to take away the votes of all Florida Democrats, who of course, had nothing to do with the legislature or the DNC. We voted for two weeks at libraries all over the state before the January 29th primary. All names were on the ballot; people canvassed for Obama and held signs up for Obama--there had already been many debates, and Obama had just come out of a successful S. Carolina primary. Hillary Clinton won fair and square, but Obama, the weasal that he is, doesn't want our votes to count, and neither does Howard Dean and the Obamanites on the DNC.
April | 03.17.08 09:58 PM
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Why people can't get it that if you broke the rules then there are consequences you have to pay. I feel sorry for many Democrats of Florida that are paying the price unjustly. They should be upset at their Democrat officials, not the candidates.
lucy | 03.17.08 10:13 PM
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Why people can't get it that if you broke the rules then there are consequences you have to pay. I feel sorry for many Democrats of Florida that are paying the price unjustly. They should be upset at their Democrat officials, not the candidates.
lucy | 03.17.08 10:14 PM
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I don't feel bad for the FL voters. Should have obeyed the rules!!! But one good thing is you stupid old people in FL just may have screwed Hillary right out of the White House. Plus the other good thing is keeping Bill out also. No more freebies Bill! Buy your women in Harlem, you BUM.
walt ohio | 03.17.08 10:24 PM
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3yr. Spec.Ops. 1965-1968 Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. And I`m suppose to back a "Draft Dodgers" wife?? And least to say, explaining to my Grandaughter why "Billary" allowed her husband to engage in sex with other women, Shes in the 3rd grade, and wants to know why she set those standards as a first lady? She also asks why she voted for the war and claiming to withdraw within 60 days?? "Amber" says do not warn them! that she is withdrawing in 60 days, that only sends a warning to the insurgents, So they will be able to do the most damage to retreating troops. Folks for a 3rd. grade school girl to converse with you and understanding more than you could believe,. I do not feel hillary should EVER become Commander in Chief., Obama has proven that!, Race is not a question to me, Nor A Woman, That she`s not! Watching the prelimanarys, All the "Clinton" tricks have not changed! It is great for "HUMOR" tho`. she`s "Experienced"? for Commander in Chief"? As an "HONORABLE DECORATED DISABLED VETERAN" chills run through me. "AMERICANS DESERVE BETTER!" and "Experience"? Living in the White House as first lady Is not qualifications! Fellow AMERICANS, Common Sence is all needed to see facts! Respectfully, mtrcycleboB "Bless our Troops"!
Disabled Veteran | 03.17.08 11:05 PM
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The polling address changed for residents in our community a while back. I traveled to three different sites before ending up where I could cast my vote in the presidential primary. Now the people of Florida learn their votes will not be counted. Well, the possibility is rather grim that I may ever again elect to cast any vote, for anything. Enough is enough!
E. Harlow | 03.17.08 11:27 PM
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The polling address changed for residents in our community a while back. I traveled to three different sites before ending up where I could cast my vote in the presidential primary. Now the people of Florida learn their votes will not be counted. Well, the possibility is rather grim that I may ever again elect to cast any vote, for anything. Enough is enough!
E. Harlow | 03.17.08 11:28 PM
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vote was valid??..who are you kidding?..do you not have any conscience? no one has successfully responded to the fact that Obama many supporters never voted becuase the Rules stated that the election would not be recognized.
To thine own self be true...but then again, the USA is not known for honest decisions...what a pity
robbie | 03.17.08 11:39 PM
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vote was valid??..who are you kidding?..do you not have any conscience? no one has successfully responded to the fact that Obama many supporters never voted becuase the Rules stated that the election would not be recognized.
To thine own self be true...but then again, the USA is not known for honest decisions...what a pity
robbie | 03.17.08 11:40 PM
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why are Florida and Michigan becoming headaches to the DNC? These two states knew ahead of time that if their primaries did not respect the DNC's electoral calendar and rules,their votes would not count. Yet, they decided to proceed with the elections in manners that violated the DNC'S rules. Do they (Florida and Michigan)want the DNC not to live up to their words? I mean, do Florida and Michigan want the DNC say one thing, but do the other? If the DNC should not be expected to live up to their words, who should be? --the presidential candidates? the voters?
Roland | 03.17.08 11:50 PM
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I can't believe that American citizens are upset because of Obama's affiliation with a church....he's not there now, he didn't hear the speech. I am a white 54 year old woman and nothing that Wright said offended me, because he was mostly right. He was actually stating facts....we bombed a country, and Wright used his constitional freedom of speech. The MEDIA and the CLINTONS are making this a big deal, which makes be believe that the Clinton's are behind most of it and Karl Rove, Geraldine and Limbaugh
There is still a strong sense of racism in this country; but Wright has his freedom of speech in his own church, under Freedom of religion. The Clinton's ...they deceitfulness, lies, hidding money, throwing the race card are worse than Obama's choice of religion. Would it be different if he were jewish, catholic, morman, seven day adventist, baptist, protestant....???
Religion and race should not be in this candidacy. If the voters are seeing The Clinton's manipulation with the Texas caucus votes and hiring a lawyer; it's basically all about her...that's it. Nothing else...you wasted a vote on her..she will do whatever she has to do to win....so Pennsylvania...go ahead, let her win your state....McCain will be our president.
Go Obama 08
Kay | 03.17.08 11:53 PM
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I would like to address my comment to MTRCYCLEBOB..... First of all, I do not believe you. Or should I say that I would prefer not to believe you because if your grandchild is coming to you with questions like that, in the 3rd grade, then not only do you, but her parents need a lot of help. You sound like a sick person that is trying to get his point across, but to hide behind not only just a child, but behind a child's view from your prospective. Do us all a favor, and wait to blog when you have common sense of your own. Let's leave the kids out of this. She couldn't go cast a vote anyway. THANKS
Lisa | 03.18.08 12:07 AM
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I would like to address my comment to MTRCYCLEBOB..... First of all, I do not believe you. Or should I say that I would prefer not to believe you because if your grandchild is coming to you with questions like that, in the 3rd grade, then not only do you, but her parents need a lot of help. You sound like a sick person that is trying to get his point across, but to hide behind not only just a child, but behind a child's view from your prospective. Do us all a favor, and wait to blog when you have common sense of your own. Let's leave the kids out of this. She couldn't go cast a vote anyway. THANKS
Lisa | 03.18.08 12:08 AM
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To the Hillary Clinton Supporters. The former first lady, HRC honestly thought that she was going to win the entire democratic election because she was voted favorite last year before the polls began the voting. I believe her plan was to put her name on the ballots early in order to win Florida and Michigan because she thought that Obama wasn't going to do well at all. But to her surprise when Obama was successful in a 11 states clean sweep, her plan backfired. That's when her alternative plans were to discredit her opponents credibility of experience, religion and policies; becoming the victim herself and blame the supposed attacks on the Obama campaign; play the race card by using ads that discriminate the male gender and African Americans. Majority of the American people is not going to stand for it.
Hillary Clinton supporters, regardless of what you say and how you feel doesn't even matter about Obama campaign. The Obama Campaign is going to make it happen and there's nothing you can do to stop it. The math doesn't lie. Even, if she cheats her way to be elected, she will be shuned upon by the entire world over, for all eternity as the first female canindate to malipulate and swindled her way to become president of the United States. Wherever the Clintons go they'll be recognized as the first cheating man and lady of the White House.
Teresa W. of Newport Bch, CA | 03.18.08 12:36 AM
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Those elected politicians in Florida, who passed a 2/3 majority to move the date, and held the primary against DNC ruling, making people vote for nothing, SPENDING ALL THAT MILLIONS OF STATE DOLLARS in this fiasco, must now answer to the people of Florida.
Don't blame the candidates. Go after those elected officials. You voted for them.
Disgruntled | 03.18.08 05:33 AM
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All right folks, let get this matter straight-
Contrary to what The DNC (and FAR too many of you) believe, the DPF never had the power or authority to change the date of our primary because the Republicans control the Executive & Legislative branches of our state government. Ergo, last Augusts' procalmation from the DNC had the effect of saying "We hereby order the FDP to re-set a law it has no power to change, and if it DOESN'T do that which it has no power to change, we'll punish it to twice the degree that the RNC is punishing its'Florida affilliate,which DOES have the power & authority to change the law!"
So, you tell me-
Who's the group who's not in touch with the political reality in Florida? The Florida Democratic Party or the group whose initials can be said to stand for "Dunderheads Numbskulls and Crazies"?
Former Florida Democrat | 03.18.08 11:42 AM
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Well at least we won't have to argue about hanging chads. :)
Seth | 03.18.08 12:44 PM
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Like, dude, differentiate between us. I know I don't have a copyright, but do you really want people to confuse us? I am an old, white women.
The first Former Florida Democrat | 03.25.08 12:42 AM
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Like, dude, differentiate between us. I know I don't have a copyright, but do you really want people to confuse us? I am an old, white woman and a native Floridian.
The first Former Florida Democrat | 03.25.08 12:43 AM
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Like, dude, differentiate between us. I know I don't have a copyright, but do you really want people to confuse us? I am an old, white woman and a native Floridian. You don't want people to think you were born here - they won't hire you even in your hometown, because the hiring managers are all from "somewhere else."
The first Former Florida Democrat | 03.25.08 12:45 AM
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