Hillary Clinton's victories this week have reinvigorated discussion about what to do about the Michigan and Florida delegates. Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman issued this statement last night on the state of the nominating process:
We thank Governors Crist and Granholm for supporting the effort to have the votes of more than five million Democrats and Republicans from Florida and Michigan recognized. In Florida, more than 1.75 million Democrats voted, and they deserve to be heard. [...] We have discussed many things, ranging from the plans for the general election to a potential alternative primary to the process for appealing to the credentials committee of the National Convention to seat our delegates as currently allocated.
It is important also that we are clear about one issue. At this time, no suggested alternative process has been able to meet three specific and necessary requirements: the full participation from both candidates, a guaranteed commitment of the millions of dollars it will cost to conduct the event and a detailed election plan that would enfranchise all Florida Democrats, including our military service members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Florida Democratic Party cannot consider any alternative that does not meet these requirements. Indeed, it is very possible that no satisfactory alternative plan will emerge, in which case Florida Democrats will remain committed to seating the delegates allocated by the January 29th primary.
Florida Dems are making it clear that they won't settle for a compromised solution, and as the race continues (and continues and continues ... ), it's becoming increasingly important that there be some sort of resolution to the delegate situation. Will Florida get what it wants?
--Kate Sheppard
