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Post from Andrew Tomchik's Blog:
A Message to Floridians: The DNC Needs to Hear From You
By Andrew Tomchik - Aug 24th, 2007 at 3:27 pm EDT
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Tags: DNC, Florida Democratic Party
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As Chair of your State Party, I will go before the Rules & Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Saturday to fight to preserve Florida's full and diverse representation in the presidential primary process.

Under the Rules, the DNC has the authority to slash the delegate voting power of states that hold unauthorized presidential primaries prior to February 5, 2008, essentially making their votes meaningless. Because the Republican-controlled state Legislature moved our state's primary to January 29, 2008, Florida Democrats may be subject to severe penalties.

On Saturday, we will make our case to the DNC. I'm going to fight to have Florida's votes counted, but in reality, I'm only one out of more than four million Florida Democrats. The DNC really needs to hear from people like you.

Can you take just a few moments to tell the DNC why you believe it should make Florida count? I'm going to take your messages - and your voices in spirit - with me to Washington. The meeting is Saturday morning, so get your comments in by Friday at 5 PM.

Link

As you may recall, we've had success in the past when your voice was heard, such as when Democratic legislators read your comments on the floor of the Florida Senate in the heat of the class-size debate in 2006. We succeeded then because of your support, and I have faith that your action now will help make the difference.

You have the power. Tell DNC Chairman Howard Dean and the Rules & Bylaws Committee how important it is that Florida's votes be counted on January 29. I truly believe they will listen.

Link

Florida Democrats must stand together and demand that our votes be counted. In this discussion, there is nothing more important than making sure that Florida Democrats are not disenfranchised.

Our state has seen far too much of this in the past: the 2000 election debacle, eligible voters purged from the voting rolls based on race, Black voters intimidated at the polls, 18,000 votes vanishing because of touch screen machines in 2006, the list goes on and on.

Send a message right now. There's no time to waste.

Link

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Sincerely,



Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party

P.S. Send me your comments right now, and be sure to forward this email to your friends, neighbors and families. Please don't put this off. Thank you again.

Link

Reader Comments
  
In the interests of full discloure
Reply
By Steve Wilson Aug 24th 2007 at 4:58 pm EDT
"The rules, unanimously passed in 2006 by nearly 450 Democratic party activists across the country - including Florida - are clear and leave little or no leeway for Dean to waive them: Any state that violates the schedule set by the DNC loses half its delegates to the national nominating convention and any candidate who campaigns in that state will forfeit all delegates from that state."

Link

I personally think it was a screwy rule, but the Republicans in the Florida legislature really forced this controversy. I hope the rules can be amended to allow all Florida's delegates to count, because their state law trumps our party's rules.

I also think that there should be uniform federal election laws covering all aspects of federal elections, rather than giving so much power to states. Until there is federal preemption, this sort of battle of the states will continue to get worse.
  
pffft
Reply
By Letitrip Aug 24th 2007 at 5:19 pm EDT
"...rather than giving so much power TO states."

?? power to the states...isn't that why we were called the "United" States? LOL.
Re: pffft
Reply
By Bill Dickson Aug 24th 2007 at 5:39 pm EDT
Yeah, you know, so much power to screw up a federal election. States can do what they want with state elections, but letting the republican legislature in Florida screw up the primaries ain't cool.
Re: pffft
Reply
By Letitrip Aug 25th 2007 at 6:13 pm EDT
I agree with you Bill, why I said 'pfft' to Steve and understand the unions are all separate and can do what they want and why we really should put our 2 cents worth in. Here's the comments I sent on the petition (I don't think I was strong enough, I did it quick):
"Truthfully, I don't live in Florida, but if I did I'd be an activist in trying to get a universal voting system for the state and nation, so that EVERY vote is counted and there would be a paper trail, a receipt, a purple finger for all voters. Come on people, we're one of the greatest nations on earth, let's prove it, it's not that hard. Let's not be afraid of: truth, being truthful, voting, and change. Florida is part of our union, I care about every state in this union and every decision that would effect people residing there; this goes towards our national security, think about that for a minute, then make it right!

Warmly,
Michelle...XOXOXOXOXO"

naw, no kisses and hugs from me unless they count each and every vote!
  
If You Would Like to Do More
Reply
By Andrew Tomchik Aug 24th 2007 at 5:39 pm EDT
The more the DNC is bombarded with supported for the Florida Democrats, the more they will have to listen. Please, please, please, also contact the the DNC at:

Link

Mailing Address:
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

Main Phone Number:
202-863-8000


Or, petition Chairman Howard Dean directly at:

Link
  
Democrats in Florida – Make Your Vote in the Primary Count –Vote Ron Paul
Reply
By Democrat in Saint Augustine, FL Sep 3rd 2007 at 11:48 am EDT
My father who was raised in Alabama and retired from the navy in Jacksonville was a “Southern Democrat†like his father and my great grandfather. After listening to Ron Paul and hearing his speeches my dad is following the way of many Democrats across the country and switching parties for the sole reason of voting for Ron Paul.

All democrats who are fearful of another war bound republican entering the white house should switch parties for the primary and support Ron Paul for the Republican nominee. Ron Paul was the lone Republican voice against the war in Iraq. He was also against the Patriot Act, The National ID Card and is 100% for the Constitution and the civil liberties of all Americans.

Since the Democratic Party in Florida has taken away the Democratic vote in the primary, you can vote for liberty, Freedom and the Constitution and against the War in Iraq. Switch party affiliation for the primaries and vote for Ron Paul to ensure he gets the Florida Republican Nomination

You can view Ron Paul’s writings at Link and see his website at www.ronpaul2008.com.

He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.

He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.

Let 2008 be the year the People Restored the Republic.

-Will Pitts
  
Michigan and Florida Delegates
Reply
By Democrat in Miami, FL May 28th 2008 at 3:46 pm EDT
I urge the committee not to seat any of these delegates. They were warned beforehand not to move the date forward. HC signed off on not counting either state if that was done and neither state should be counted. It was also agreed no one would compete in either state if the date was moved forward and HC did not follow that agreement. Obama was not on the ballet in Michigan. He did not complete in Florida. He followed the rules to the letter and seating any of the states will be a slap in the face to him-- All of us. She should not be allowed to hold the committee hostage and blackmail the rules committee to bend to her will. DO NOT SEAT MICHIGAN OR FLORIDA DELEGATES. Using the sermon by HC that both states have been disenfranchised is ridiculous. Votes only count when you follow the rules. Thank you.