Michigan and Florida Democrats to get Half Votes at Convention

Sat, May 31, 2008 - 6:19 PM

Florida and Michigan's delegates will be seated at the Democratic convention, but with half of their votes under rules adopted by the Democratic Party's Rules and Bylaws Committee.

The two states voted before the Democratic Party allowed this year and had faced the punishment of their delegations being barred from voting at the convention in Denver this August.

The Florida deal was nearly unanimous, but several members voted against the Michigan plan. Barack Obama was not on the ballot in Michigan. Clinton won Florida handily, though neither candidate campaigned there.

Clinton adviser Harold Ickes, a committee member, voted against the Michigan plan and said the committee was "hijacking" the primary process, by approving an allocation plan that would give Obama delegates, though he was not on the ballot in that state. Ickes, who said he was speaking for Sen. Clinton, said she reserved her right to challenge the day's decision before the party's Credentials Committee.

More here andhere.

And don't let this story miss your political radar -- Obama quits his controversial church. More here.

-Neil Simon