Obama Asks Democrats to Give Michigan and Florida Full Votes

Barack Obama today encouraged the Democratic Party Credentials Committee to give the Michigan and Florida Delegations to the Democratic National Convention full voting rights.  The committee had previously voted to give partial voting privileges to the two delegations after finding that the state parties violated DNC rules by holding primaries early.

The text of Obama's letter is below:

Hon. Alexis Herman, Co-Chair
James Roosevelt, Jr., Co-Chair
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo, Co-Chair

Dear Credentials Committee Chairs:

In just a few weeks, our Party will convene in Denver for our National Convention.  This will be an historic event that will showcase our vision for changing the direction of our country.

The delegates and alternates who gather on Monday, August 25 will reflect the talent, energy and rich diversity of our Democratic Party. The delegates will come from all 56 states and territories.  As these delegates go about the important business of the Convention, I believe Party unity calls for the delegates from Florida and Michigan to be able to participate fully alongside the delegates from the other states and territories.  Accordingly, I ask that the Credentials Committee, when it meets on August 24 to approve the delegates for the National Convention, pass a resolution that would entitle each delegate from Florida and Michigan to cast a full vote.

As a candidate for the nomination, I supported the DNC’s efforts to establish and enforce a schedule for primaries and caucuses that would broaden the opportunity for Democrats from all regions of the country and all backgrounds and walks of life to have a meaningful voice.  An unprecedented number of voters participated in our Democratic nominating process.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Dean for his principled leadership during this long and challenging process.

As we prepare to come together in Denver, however, we must be – and will be – united in our determination to change the course of our nation.  To that end, Democrats in Florida and Michigan must know that they are full partners and colleagues in our historic mission to reshape Washington and lead our country in a new direction.

With warmest personal regards,

Barack Obama

Comments

[PunditMom]

Just don't even get me started on this. When he wasn't sure he'd be the nominee, he was all about "the rules" and half votes. Now we wants to offer the olive branch?? This would have made my blood boil even if the show had been on any other candidates' foot.

[Jo-Ann]

I've typed a response to this 5 times, but I'm so annoyed that I can't think clearly enough to put together a coherent sentence. So all I can say is: ditto punditmom.

I guess it's easy to do the right thing when the outcome is guaranteed to be in your favor, until then, not so much.