Debate: Michigan and Florida delegates in 2008 US elections

Should delegates from Florida and Michigan be included in the 2008 US elections?

Background and Context of Debate:

Rules: Do the rules allow for seating delegates after they've been stripped?

Yes

• Democratic primary rules offer states some options after being stripped of their delegates Michigan, Florida votes could be crucial for Democrats". CNN.com. February 14, 2008 - "Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons, an Obama supporter, said the rules are the rules.

'Michigan and Florida both decided to violate the rules. They were told, 'If you violate the rules, this will be the penalty.' They violated the rules anyway. And so, now, here we are trying to change the rules after the game,"'he said.

But the rules, according to the DNC, gives the states stripped of their delegates the ability to try other options.

The first course of action is for the state parties to appeal to the Convention Credentials Committee, a group that resolves any issues that pop up."

No

• Florida and Michigan knowingly broke the rules and deserved to be stripped of delegates. They violated the rules. They should pay the consequence.

Democracy: Is seating the delegates necessary in preserving democracy?

Yes

No

• The Democratic party has the democratic right to enforce its primaries rules. If not, the Democratic Party wouldn't be democratic.

Mail-in re-vote: Does a mail-in re-vote concept make sense?

Yes

• Howard Dean, DNC Chairman, said on a re-vote. "It's comprehensive. You get to vote if you're in Iraq or in a nursing home. It's not a bad way to do this."[1]

• Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D). "Florida Deserves a Revote". March 10, 2008 - "With so much at stake, and the race so close, it's apparent to me that a new election in Florida is a fair way to provide both candidates with another chance to win needed delegates in a state that is certain to be pivotal in November. And there is a practical and affordable way to conduct another election that would be fair to all involved, and should gain the support of state officials. It is this: Hold a revote via a mail-in ballot, and underwrite its cost with Democratic Party funds. I've already discussed the idea with Republican Gov. Charlie Crist and he is supportive."

No

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Yes

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No

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