On May 31st the Rules and Bylaws Committee will hear a proposal to seat half the Michigan and Florida delegations.
DNC members in Michigan and Florida have filed challenges to restore the delegates.
Under the challenges, all superdelegates from both states would get to vote. The pledged delegates would only count for half votes.
Michigan’s delegates total 156, with 128 pledged delegates and 28 superdelegates.
Florida’s delegates total 210, with 185 pledged delegates and 25 superdelegates.
According to the results of their respective primaries, Clinton would receive 105 Florida delegates and Obama 67, and Clinton would receive 73 Michigan delegates while 55 would remain uncommitted. If the Rules and Bylaws Committee seats half of the delegations, Clinton will earn 89 more delegates and Obama 33.5, and 27.5 will remain uncommitted until the first vote at the DNC convention.
DNC members and superdelegates Joel Ferguson (MI/Clinton) and Jon Ausman (FL/Uncommitted) presented the challenges.
The aforementioned division of delegates is not enumerated in the Ferguson/Ausman challenge, and the Rules and Bylaws Committee can chose to award the delegates differently. However, it is Ausman’s position that, “the allocation should be solely based on the returns on January 29.” Further, regardless of the pledged delegate allocation, Ferguson contends that the superdelegates should be fully restored since they are not bound by the election results; an argument included in the challenges.
Party Officials report that it is unclear whether the RBC will vote on or simply discuss the challenges on May 31. The Convention Credentials Committee ultimately decides on the seating of delegates and will not meet until late in the summer after all primary contest are completed.
It is good to see that there is at least some movement on this issue. In order for the nominee to have any semblance of legitimacy, Michigan and Florida must be equitably resolved. While the half-delegation proposal is within the rules, it would still represent an unfair enforcement of the rules in light of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Further, the late date, roughly a few days before the last primary is held, could represent a hope to skirt controversy and responsibility of making a tough decision. However, what is needed is swift, decisive action and leadership on this issue. Perhaps this is the long awaited first step.
