Can There Be a Do-Over in Politics?

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

07 Mar 2008 10:09 AM

So yesterday, I read in the paper that the Michigan governor as well as the Florida state party chair in conjunction with the Clinton campaign think there should be some kind of do-over vote in June. Considering that both Florida and Michigan held their primaries in January, what's going on? Senator Clinton won both primaries, so why would her campaign support a 'do-over'?

Meaningless Votes

Well, it turns out that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) stripped both states of their delegates because they held their primaries too early in violation of their rules. None of the candidates (Clinton and Obama included) campaigned in the states and Senator Obama's name wasn't even on the Michigan Primary ballot.

Why Did They Do That?

As most people who follow election process know, Iowa and New Hampshire are typically the states that host the first primaries. Their primaries are watched closely because they can usually set a tone for how other primaries will go. Nevada and South Carolina are usually the next two states in line.

Florida and Michigan were seeking to protest this 'tradition' because they felt those primaries had undue influence on the choices made by voters in other states. Ironically, the tight horserace in the Democratic primaries would have promised Michigan and Florida some crucial primaries if they'd maintain their own schedules.

Will They Hold New Primaries in June Now?

If they receive approval, Michigan and Florida would be highly contested states between Senators Obama and Clinton. There is, by no means, a presumptive candidate between the two of them and Clinton's win their earlier in the year is meaningless in the final numbers currently because neither state has delegates.

If a new primary were hosted by each state, they would get their delegates and back and they could give Clinton's campaign a boost to take the narrow lead off Obama's campaign.

So what roadblocks are in the way? The expense of the primary in Florida is an estimated $25 million dollars and Florida Governor Charlie Crist doesn't think his taxpayers should have to foot that bill and is willing to support the measure if the DNC coughs up the cash.

So I only have two questions, who made this colossal decision to 'protest' the New Hampshire and Iowa primaries and why aren't they paying for it? And what is it with Florida and elections? It seems like every time there is a vote there - something gets wonky whether it's bad machines, bad chads, bad counters or just bad politics.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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