Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Update on Michigan Vote in Democratic Primary

Democrats in Michigan proposed a 69 - 59 split in favor of Senator Hillary Clinton for the Michigan Delegates. This proposal finds some balance between the original elections in January, the desire of Senator Clinton to seat the elections as is, and the suggestion of a 50-50 split by Senator Barack Obama.

This proposal is an attempt to provided representation for the citizens of the state but there are a few unanswered questions. First, What happens with the popular vote? I am not what happens with the popular vote or the Super Delegates. Since the elections were illegitimate, the popular vote in Michigan cannot contribute to the popular vote total.

Second, will the Super Ds still possess a voice in the process? Since the political officials in Michigan caused the problems to being with, then it may not be a problem if they lose their vote.

Finally, if both the pledged and super delegates are seated, what is the punishment? If the Super Delegates were to be seated, then there will be no punishment for Michigan, making 2012 ripe for problems. This exercise would represent bad parenting on the part of the DNC, which may be just another knock on the Democrats (bad) desire for eternal parentalism.

Neither candidate may desire this though they may need to accept it. If there is no resolution, the DNC credentials committee will decide the fate of Michigan and Florida on May 31st.

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