March 5, 2008

NBC political analyst Chuck Todd appeared on Countdown Wednesday to talk about Democratic primary race and the situation with Michigan and Florida delegates. The Clinton campaign has been pushing for both states delegates to be seated and Senator Obama says he's played by the rules and will continue to do so. Keith Olbermann reads a statement from DNC chair, Howard Dean, who is finally making the call -- the rules will not be bent:

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"We're glad to hear that the Governors of Michigan and Florida are willing to lend their weight to help resolve this issue. As we've said all along, we strongly encourage the Michigan and Florida state parties to follow the rules, so today's public overtures are good news. The rules, which were agreed to by the full DNC including representatives from Florida and Michigan over 18 months ago, allow for two options. First, either state can choose to resubmit a plan and run a party process to select delegates to the convention; second, they can wait until this summer and appeal to the Convention Credentials Committee, which determines and resolves any outstanding questions about the seating of delegates. We look forward to receiving their proposals should they decide to submit new delegate selection plans and will review those plans at that time. The Democratic Nominee will be determined in accordance with party rules, and out of respect for the presidential campaigns and the states that did not violate party rules, we are not going to change the rules in the middle of the game.

"Through all the speculation, we should also remember the overwhelming enthusiasm and turnout that we have already seen, and respect the voters of the ten states who have yet to have their say.

"As we head towards November, our nominee must have the united support of a strong Democratic Party that's ready to fight and ready to beat John McCain. After seven years of Republican rule, I am confident that we will elect a Democratic president who will fight for America's families in the White House. Now we must hear from the voters in twelve states and territories who have yet to make their voices heard."

Dean is expected to make the rounds on the morning shows today to make this announcement. Voters from both Michigan and Florida want to have their votes counted. Let's hope both states can come up with a workable resolution with the DNC. The candidates need to know what the expectations are so the party can move forward with the primary process and on to the White House.

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