Federal judge says Florida must comply with DNC rules

[struggle4progress]

Source: Palm Beach Post

By S.V. DATE
Palm Beach Post Capital Bureau
Wednesday, December 05, 2007

TALLAHASSEE — A federal judge this afternoon rejected U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson's lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee, ending Florida Democrats' likely last hope of having the Jan. 29 presidential primary count toward selecting delegates.

"Florida has to comply with the same rules and procedures as everybody else, and does not get to have its own way," said U.S.District Court Judge Robert Hinkle following an hour-long hearing ...

Hinkle delivered his ruling from the bench and said he hoped to file a written order on Monday granting the DNC's request to end the lawsuit.

"There's nothing in the Constitution that mandates a free-for-all," he said ...



Read more: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2007/12/05/1205flaprimary.html

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... Nelson said from Washington following the ruling .... the decision would not be appealed ... http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-12-05-florida-primary_N.htm


... Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney said "We're pleased the court ruled in our favor, recognizing the constitutionally protected right of the Democratic National Committee to enforce its rules and treat all state Democratic parties in a fair and equal way. The DNC is committed to protecting the right to vote for every American, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that Florida turns blue in 2008." But .. Sen. Bill Nelson, vowed to fight on ... http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/12/05/judge_rules_in_dncs_favor_in_c.html

[spag68]

1. Fla. vote

This is really silly, and I don't understand why the dems. there got caught p in it. The trap was laid by the rethugs because of a vote on a real estate proposal. The dems were afraid that if they did not vote on the same day the pubs. would get the one they wanted. The thing is that there will be no proposal to vote on anyway, as the whole thing got dropped. I'm sure something will be worked out to seat the Fla. delegates, who should look at the big picture. I'm going to my daughters in St. Pete Jan. to April, so I'll get to hear all about it.