***** Breaking News on Florida Delegate Appeal *****

[FlyingSquirrel]

(Posted 1:00 PM, April 9)

Former lone Kucinich superdelegate Jon Ausman gives us some info on what's going on behind the scenes.

The staff of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have completed and submitted their review of the two appeals seeking to have 23 superdelegates and 92 pledged delegates award to Florida .

The first appeal notes the DNC Charter states Democratic US Senators, Democratic US House Members, former DNC Chairs and DNC Members “shall” be delegates to the Democratic National Convention. This “bill of rights” given to 23 Floridians cannot be taken away by a subordinate body created by the DNC since that subordinate body does not have the authority to do so.

The second appeal states the penalty for violating the “timing rule” “shall be” a fifty percent (50%) reduction in the pledged delegates and the loss of the three (3) unpledged add-on delegates. This means Florida should have at least 92 pledged delegates.

(snip)

Unfortunately, these two appeals involve more than the consideration of what the written rules governing the DNC say. Rather than interpret the rules as written consideration is now being given to what the two Presidential campaigns want (what they want, of course, is what benefits them the most).

I believe one campaign is very interested in allowing the DNC RBC decide the matter while the other is stalling in order to preserve their position.

One would think both parties would see the tremendous advantage of resolving this matter early as it would help improve fundraising for both campaigns in Florida (not to mention DNC and FDP fundraising) as well as allow our attention to focus on getting ready to be Senator McCain, but short-term views are prevailing over the long-term benefits of ending this running sore.

With respect, I am,

Jon M. Ausman, Member
Democratic National Committee
Florida

More:

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/03/dnc-memo-on-florida-appeal-leaked.html

[FlyingSquirrel]

1. WHOOOOPS, Sorry! Didn't mean to post actual Primary News in

General Discussion: Primaries!

[Major Hogwash]

2. Why, do you think it will detract from all the bitching?

Gawd, I hope so!

[malik flavors]

3. What would be the split on pledged delegates? something like 52 to 40?

[FlyingSquirrel]

5. 52.5 Clinton, 33.5 Obama

At least according to DemConWatch, since Clinton won 105 Florida delegates to 67 for Obama.

And 15 Clinton superdelegates to 5 Obama, currently. With 35 undecided FL superdelegates

The pledged count would be 86, so the remaining 6 must be Edwards delegates.

I also don't get where they come up with only 23 Superdelegates. It sounds like they're trying to get ALL the Supers counted which would be 55 (I think). It's confusing.

[kwenu]

4. While I respect his right to his opinion, I don't feel he has any insight as to what is going on.

Frankly, he sounds partisan. Perhaps he should set out the facts first and then give his interpretation on how to resolve the matter.

[FlyingSquirrel]

6. .

[Hawkeye-X]

7. I'd like to hear mad's insight on this...

madfloridan???....

[Symarip]

8. Thanks for the update.

For some reason, I find what happens in Florida fascinating.

[crispini]

9. Ooo. Tasty!

Bookmarked to read later. It's a good long read!

[totodeinhere]

10. This will ultimately go to the credentials committee at the convention.

And then it will probably be appealed to the convention floor by whoever loses in the credentials committee. Of course, the nominee, whoever that is, will have more votes on the convention floor and then it should be settled once and for all.

[madfloridian]

11. That appears to be Jon's assessment so far...

I don't see anything definitive in there. I read that earlier today, but it seemed to just be Jon reminding us of his appeal.

If there is something definite there, I don't see it.

[madfloridian]

12. Besides, until they get done with all the lawsuits against Dean...rules don't matter.

DiMaio and Steinberg are planning to sue him next for giving voice to minorities in the primaries

They are suing for reverse discrimination.

And we have to watch and see whose blood Bill Nelson intends to spill over the convention floor in Denver

Just realize that to Florida the party rules mean absolutely nothing. They think they should have been allowed to do whatever they wanted.

I hope and pray they keep stalling on Jon's plea to seat superdelegates.

This state has lied so much they have hurt our party.