March 21, 2008
Posted: 12:09 PM ET
The DNC rendered Florida's January vote meaningless.
The DNC rendered Florida's January vote meaningless.

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) — A federal appeals court Friday threw out a Florida man's suit over the Democratic National Committee's decision to bar Florida delegates from the party's national convention, saying he had no standing to file suit.

The ruling by the 11th U.S. Court of Appeals affirms a lower court order that found that Victor DiMaio, a Florida resident who sued the Democratic National Committee and the Florida Democratic Party, "undeniably lacks standing to bring this suit …"

DiMaio claimed that the DNC announced refusal to seat Florida's Democratic delegation because the Florida party violated DNC rules on scheduling its primary violated his constitutional right to equal protection under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The Middle District Court of Florida ruled that DiMaio could not file suit under federal rules because his "complaint does not assert any actual or real controversy with the DNC or the FDP." The appeals court agreed.

The DNC said it was pleased with the ruling because it affirmed previous decision that "national political parties have a constitutionally protected right to manage and conduct their own internal affairs, including the enforcement of delegate selection rules."

The suit stemmed from the DNC's decision to strip Florida of its convention delegates because the date of the Florida primary was moved up without party approval.

Filed under: Delegates • Florida


lamont anderson pa   March 21st, 2008 6:13 pm ET

don't blame howard dean florida and michigan knew what thay were doing when thay moved up there primary so get over it

Brenda   March 21st, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I think it is time for a real Independent Party and President. Hillary should look into to running as one. It worked for Lieberman!

xavier   March 21st, 2008 5:12 pm ET

It looks like Florida and Michigan will not have a voice in picking the nominee. That is a shame, and it was a situation that was created by the DNC. Not by Obama or Clinton, although I think that Clinton exacerbated the situation by promising to get the votes to count and blaming Obama when it didn’t happen.

Florida and Michigan got the shaft, but the general election is a brand new ball game. If those states truly believe that we need a Democrat in the White House and they vote Republican out of Spite, that is NOT the fault of the DNC. THAT would be the fault of Florida and Michigan voters.

I know you are upset, but voting Republican is your choice, and the consequence of that vote is also yours.

SC Native   March 21st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

to: MP-Pennsylvania

I like your general idea, but not your method. Your idea to punish those who actually caused this - the legislatures and governors of the states of Michigan and Florida - for their decision to not follow the rule of the DNC is spot on. Where I differ with you is in your method to get to that point. Governors, Senators, and House members have immunity from lawsuits against them as a result of their voting record, much the same as judges do based upon their rulings. a lawsuit against the individuals is not the proper re-course.

What I hope to see the states of Michigan and Florida do, though, is to not re-elect those who did not protect their rights. this is the best possible re-course, and will send the message loud and clear. Florida and Michigan, look up who voted to do this, and remember that when their name makes a ballot next time around!

Desire - Michigan   March 21st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Why Howard Dean wants republicans in the office for another 4 years?
Does he really thinks that people in Florida and Michigan would come out and vote in November? Most of them would stay at home and watch McCain having a party.

Sean from SEATTLE   March 21st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

How many of us here attend caucuses? Probably none.
Only those have no job or no life to have time to go caucuses. Obama only won by a handful of people. Primary vote has more meaning and he won only few.
HILLARY should be a nominee as she won most of primaries in ALL big States, including Florida and Michigan.

JAMES IN BAMA   March 21st, 2008 5:05 pm ET

I AM WONDERING DOES THIS MEAN IF THE DNC WANT TO IT COULD SAY THROW OUT PRIMARIES IN ANY STATE IT CHOSES? COULD THE DNC TELL A CERTAIN DISTRICT IN A STATE THAT THEI VOTES WILL NOT BE COUNTED? COULD THE DNC TELL A GROUP OF VOTERS IN A CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD THAT THIER VOTES WILL NOT BE COUNTED???? THAT IS WHAT THE RULING STATES! I THINK THE PRIMARIES SHOULD BE HELD TO THE SAME SCRUTINY AS THE GENERAL ELECTION; OR AS WAS THE 2000 ELECTION EVEN A STEP ABOVE!!!! IM FORM ALABAMA, AND AS THE COURT RULED, THE DNC HAS THE RIGHT TO THROW OUT THE VOTES FROM HERE…ON THEIR BASIS FOR THE RULING. AND DOES THIS SET A PRESEDENT FOR MAYBE VOTES NOT BEING COUNTED IN THE GENERAL ELECTION. I THINK MORE LAWSUITES SHOULD BE FILED BY ANNYONE WHO IS FINANTIALLY ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR VOTE IS COUNTED!! PLAIN AND SIMPLE, IF YOU DONT COUNT EVERY VOTE THAT WAS CAST HOW CAN YOU EXPECT THE PEOPLE OF THAT STATE TO THINK THAT THE PARTY IS WORTH THIER FOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION?

John   March 21st, 2008 4:09 pm ET

CR-""This ruling was not based on some whim. It was based on precedent.""

Indeed…if this precedent was set in 2008, imagine the chaos of the primary schedule in 2012.

Yeswecan   March 21st, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Obama fears the vote from Florisa and Michigan, period. He did not win any large state. To Obama, get rid of all the voters in Florida, Michigan, Texas, New York, and California are the best for his purpose.

Mike   March 21st, 2008 4:00 pm ET

It's funny that a lawyer would even try to file this suit. Nobody has a constitutional right to vote in a political party's primary. The political party decides who their candidate will be. They hold primaries to determine who their nominee will be, but they don't have to.

Your constitutional right to vote is in November, where you vote who gets elected (not who gets to run on a political party's ticket).

CR   March 21st, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Perhaps you Hillary whiners need to re-read the following, previous decision by another court:

"national political parties have a constitutionally protected right to manage and conduct their own internal affairs, including the enforcement of delegate selection rules."

What is it about "constitutionally protected right" that you don't understand? This ruling was not based on some whim. It was based on precedent.

mike   March 21st, 2008 3:51 pm ET

It is not Barack Obama's fault that the votes for FLA and MI were not counted. And don't blame Obama for wanting a fair revote or no revote. All candidates agreed to follow the rules. The individual states are to blame and they know it. Ironically, if they had played by the rules, their votes would have been the most important, given how close this race is.

Ciele   March 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

no need to comment… Cnn's also is not woring. Comments are never posted.

Dave   March 21st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Obama fears the revotes in MIchigan and Florida
Fears greater Democracy? His preacher preaches hate! So where
is this change in Washington going to come from? Hope in what?
How is the dialogue changing again Obama supporters? Sounds
like the same old nonsense to me. Only with worse to come.

Florida Independent   March 21st, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Thanks alot DNC. By not counting our Florida vote in the primary, you have made it an easy choice for us in the November general election!!!

McCain '08 is now the only choice you've left for Floridians.

ANGELA   March 21st, 2008 3:41 pm ET

now that hiliary is losing to senator barack obama in pledge and popular votes, now she wants to change the rules to benefit her selfish and political motives. All she seems to care about is power. the american people don't mean anything to her and her husband bill. Enough of the clintons, let's move on to unity. angela orlando florida.

Nando, Florida   March 21st, 2008 3:37 pm ET

A wonderful thing called Democracy is getting in thway of the CLINTONS!!!!

sandra adams   March 21st, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Hilary Clinton wants to change the rules of the game because she is loosing.

She uses people and she cheats as well.

I wonder why people are still voting for her? can't they see through her?

Sean   March 21st, 2008 3:35 pm ET

That is fine because us Florida voters do have the right to change parties from the one that stole our votes as punishment for the actions of our goverment, and we will be voting for McCain in the fall if our Jan 29th votes are not counted!

lamont anderson pa   March 21st, 2008 3:32 pm ET

the republicans have taken this country into a recession.and i hillarycan't see how anyone that has a hard time paying bills can vote this novembrer for a republican.hillary can't win michigan and florida are out,thay had there turn to vote.so the only way hillary can get in is to take this campion to the convention floor and have the super delegated pledge her.

Медведев   March 21st, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Okay, I don't want to see Florida mentioned ever again in the headlines regarding the re-vote. This is absolutely the end, no glimmer, no spark, the fire is completely and totally out. Let's move on to Pennsylvania.

An American on the outside looking in!!   March 21st, 2008 3:31 pm ET

It is not fair if the sit the delegates as is!! Why is it that Billary is always trying to change to rules to her advantage!! He is like a whining child when she doesn't get her own way!! I do believe that they should have a re-vote!! That would be fair for everyone

big_puppy   March 21st, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Well while we at this point of revote or do over for Florida and Michigan we might as well revote or do over the entire election because everyone that voted already by the rules may not be satified with the do over in these two states. Maybe Ohio would want a do over since Hillary's papers came out and show that she was in favor of the NAFTA program and lied to the people about how she was against it.

errrr   March 21st, 2008 3:26 pm ET

It is really funny to see that DNC hailed a decision which makes MacCain the next president.

Why oh why   March 21st, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Why is everyone crying and carrying on now about the vote not counting? Why wasn't there so much outrage when it was decided?

Rules are rules and I wish people would stop blaming Obama. Everyone had the rule book at the start of the races now stick with them.

Ehis Olu   March 21st, 2008 3:22 pm ET

The Democrats are giving the Republicans a smooth path to the White house. With these type of actions , several unhappy democrats would rather give their vote to a deserving Republican just to drive home their point. DNC, hear this ; there is still time to fix things , otherwise you will have your supporters ushering John McCain to the White house..

Brenda in SC   March 21st, 2008 3:21 pm ET

i seen CNN is maintaining their usual unbiased state.

Jeremy   March 21st, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Is it me or does Hillary look older as of recently? Desperation tends to make one age quicker.

Ehis Olu   March 21st, 2008 3:21 pm ET

The Democrats are giving the Republicans a smooth path to the White house. With these type of actions , several unhappy democrats would rather give their vote to a deserving Republican just to drive home their point. DNC, hear this ; there is still time to fix things , otherwise you will have your supporters ushering John McCain to the Wwite house..

R Hayward   March 21st, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I like the way that this article left out that the court also said it “raises a number of interesting and potentially significant questions” and that they gave suggestions as to what needed to be changed to refile.

There are reasons for checking more than one news source. Since the truth is often in the middle, its usually constructive to check everything from the Huffington Post to The National Review. Real Clear Politics also usually has links to good articles and is one of the few that is allowed to post an entire Roll Call article.

Teresa   March 21st, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I love the comment shared by Travis.

Thanks for making your very good point so well!

I needed a laugh!

JennyM   March 21st, 2008 3:11 pm ET

The state governments disenfranchised their residents and they should be voted out at the next election if the people are not happy.

Hillary said the vote did not count - period.

I agree with seating the delegates but not in a way that if favors one or the other. They cannot be allowed to influence the election . They knew the rules, they played chicken with the DNC and lost .

If these Democrats choose not to vote in the NOV election — they only hurt themselves. If they want another 4 years of Bush/McCain then don't vote.

But don't whine for the next 4 years how the economy stinks and the war is a waste . just don't whine

MP-Pennsylvania   March 21st, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Pleas go sue your state leaders who disregarded the DNC rules and brought up this mess on you. Primaries are conducted like orgainzations who decide which member of ther club/organization choose their nominee. To keep the membership you need to follow the rules.

I used to be a Democrat   March 21st, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Congratulations DNC! You have already lost both Michigan and Florida in the general election!

Ronald   March 21st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

What? Clinton couldn't lie her way into cheating in FL? How rigged is this election anyway?

Yeswecan   March 21st, 2008 2:57 pm ET

It just shows how bad our court system is.
Any party can not stay on top of voters. If they do, they will lose in the general election. DNC's decision will split the party, not unify the party.

John   March 21st, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Newsflash for Florida and Michigan voters: Obama will win the election without voters among you who claim they will vote for McCain.

Rose   March 21st, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Why is it unAmerican not to seat those delegates? Weren't they told before the elction that they weren't going to count? Why wasn't Hilary kicking up a fuss then? In our house, no means no, not something else later on when you want a different answer. Split them 50/50 and shut up about about it.

Best   March 21st, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Votes should count for every one. But it seems to be funny how one of the Dem's seem as though they only want that if it will help them. Emm…Hilary…I was undecided…but Im now an obama supporter..

Disenfranchised again   March 21st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

We can not continue to call ourselves a democracy until the will of the people is respected. Here we are disenfranchised again and blamed for the chaos. What a joke!!!

Judy   March 21st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Someone should represent all persons that voted in both Florida and Michigan if we still believe that every vote counts. Let's proceed and get these votes counted. This is absolutely ridiculous. If these were Senator McCain's votes or former Gov. Rommney's votes or former Gov. Jeb Bush's votes who may one day be a candidate, would we care then??? I would care just as much. It appears we do not care because of gender differences. Surely our country has advanced beyond this???!!!
NC

Yolanda   March 21st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

To HEIDI: Let's start getting used to the sound of Pesident McCain. The democrats have messed these primaries up way too much for a democrat to win. Mark my word: Obama will win the democratic nomination, McCain will win the presidency in 2008, and Obama's once so promising political career will be over. A real shame.

Jacqueline for Obama!   March 21st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Ron, if experience, judgement, and morality got us to the point where we (the United States) are now, I would definitely hate to see 8 more years of that! I don't hate anybody, but I'm sure millions will agree that these last 8 years, specifically the last 5, have been a complete mess which needs to be cleaned up with a fresh, new face, and new perspectives on change and unity.

Stone   March 21st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

The states were told 18 months prior to making the switch what would happen if they moved the primary dates. They should pay for their decisions.

A&A   March 21st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

at this point a re vote is needed if DNC wants FL and MI in November…as for those who voted for GOP too bad…u cast your votes already

lee   March 21st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

So Obama can be just as misleading as Clinton, is that what this proves? I think flawed is when you don't include 2 large states in a vote — and cut off your nose to spite your face. I don't care why Clinton wants the vote — It's the right thing to do.

bond   March 21st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Too bad, so sad. Next time follow the rules. Vote in November.

santy   March 21st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

clintons thinking above the law like bush

U-S-hooray   March 21st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

If Hillary Clinton and her supporters don't like the Democratic Party rules, they can go and start their own party.

They could call it the "Divine Monarchy" party.

ken   March 21st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I am not a nut, and I to feel my rights have been violated. I will vote for Ralf Nader if the DNC can't fix this problem.

MrsGrapevine   March 21st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

I wonder that myself. I guess she didn't think she would need their votes as much as she does now.

CB   March 21st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

What's next Hillary? Running as an Independent threats?

Paul from Kissimmee   March 21st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

That's good news for Obama.

Dennis   March 21st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

I still don't understand how someone could agree to the format of what had been put in place by the DNC, but when you start to be on the losing side, you want what was agreed to in writting to longer be the agreement, sound like the same old system to me. Go Obama

Obama 08   March 21st, 2008 2:20 pm ET

So, can we now split the delegates evenly and move on?

Anna, SW Missouri   March 21st, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Hillary's only goal now is to drag Obama down so much that he cannot win in November so she can run again in 2012. She cannot wait 8 more years to run, because she knows that New Yorkers will vote her out of the Senate before then.

theblessedkid   March 21st, 2008 2:17 pm ET

It is sad to see a candidate play with the emotions of the people, and cloud up the real issue by playing on words and old politics. It is clear that Hillary signed and stated verbally that the votes in these states will not count. I pray it is just media spin, and the public is not foolish enough to believe that some how the DNC or even the Obama camp caused this problem.

MattOhio   March 21st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Obama is chicken

Yolanda Diaz   March 21st, 2008 2:15 pm ET

How can Obama win, without Michigan and Florida?

Wang LI   March 21st, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Ms Clinton would do anything to win…
That at least, this is obvious.

What would she be able to do in the White House ?
8 years of Bush… What's next now ?

What is wrong with our political system ?

Skaught   March 21st, 2008 2:15 pm ET

No campaigning, no contest. She won by such a small margin, for having such great name recognition, she should be ashamed. Hillary has lost. Finally. It really should be over.

RANDY Y   March 21st, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Clintons new position is I want to win! rules do not matter as long as I get the votes. never mind I will just blame this on Obama too!

Rosalee   March 21st, 2008 2:11 pm ET

I think the DNC should find a way to seat Florida. I refused to rally around any of the dems candidates comes general election. People of Florida gets a raw deal when it comes to an election. Our votes seems not to count each election.

Marjorie   March 21st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

AMEN!!! So let it be.

Gail   March 21st, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Why did Obama agree to the ban and now wants the delegates divided 50/50? So the votes will be counted, but not really? He is tricky and manipulating.

Adam   March 21st, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Once again this goes to prove how the Clintons will do anything to win. Gladly Americans are beginning to see this. I am an independent, I voted to Bush last time and I am voting for OBAMA this time for sure. If his party leaders take it away from him I may not vote at all. All these issue about race, he is the only who has come out to talk about issues that everyone is afraid to talk about. He is a straight talker, he will make some mistakes since he is not calculating as most politicians and we need people like that. I used to love McCain but I feel like the hardcore republicans are bringing him down. I wish he doesn’t get swayed by their rhetoric and be the Mccain we loved, the straight talker and doer. He is changing his positions so much. I like Politians who will tell it as it is and the Clintons are exact opposite. They move the bar every time and unfortunately the media buy into it.

Very Concerned American   March 21st, 2008 1:38 pm ET

What's wrong with revoting in Florida and Michigan. No state wants to be disenfranchised. Just do a revote.
Period.

Joe   March 21st, 2008 1:34 pm ET

What a mess the DNC created. After complaining in 2000 about Flordia election problems, they totally ignore the will of Flordia voters again.

Regardless of who is right regarding a "do-over", one thing is certain. The Democratic party is NOT the group of people that I want responsible for my healthcare or security. The incompetence is epic.

Kevin   March 21st, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Idiotic Americans. Trying to sue a private political party for "violating" the Constitution. Geez…

JOHN   March 21st, 2008 1:33 pm ET

HILLARY'S NOT A WOMAN OF HER WORDS. SHE SAID THE VOTE MENT NOTHING. BUT SHE WANTS TO CHANGE THE RULES. OBAMA SAID HE WANT TO FOLLOW THE RULES AND LET THE DNC MAKE THE DECISION. SPLIT TO DELEGATES 50/50. SEAT THEM AND LETS MOVE ON.

Carol g   March 21st, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Clinton is an opportunist. She wants to score points now by saying that she have always there for FL and MI. She wants to go home to the WHITE HOUSE. If she can blame Obama for FL and MI decision to have their primary before Feb 5, knowing full well the rules and the consequences, then she will. She is or was a lawyer for many years so she should recognise an ambulance when she sees one. Have a great day.

Realistic   March 21st, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Hillary was for excluding the Florida voters before she was against it.

JOHN   March 21st, 2008 1:28 pm ET

FLOIDA AGAIN?

Manuel TX   March 21st, 2008 1:28 pm ET

The Obama supporters can take solace NOW from the probability that MI and FL will not be counted.

And the voters in MI and FL can take solace from knowing that they can vote for the republican candidate during the general election.

Howard Dean is making a huge blunder on this matter and it will cause the Democratic party to lose the white house.

Hillary 2010! :)

Joseph Smith   March 21st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

HRC, as the frontrunner, had no choice but to go along with DNC. Otherwise, she would have been bashed for "gaming the system"

Travis   March 21st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

AMERICA’S NEW ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE (follow steps below)

1)Elect Hillary Clinton
2)Buy stock in all companies that own major news organizations
3)Sell stocks in the third year of her term right after Bill gets caught sticking his noodle were it doesn’t belong.
4)You’ll then be left with a whole lot of worthless dollars!!

Gobama   March 21st, 2008 1:27 pm ET

The solution is to seat the Florida & Michigan pledged and super delegates without having them influence the outcome of the election of the nominee for the Presidency.

If the Clintons were not driven by personal ambition ALONE for a THIRD TERM, then they would have surrendered and help unite the the Dems for victory.

Instead, the Clintons sought to take their polarization effect into the Democratic Party and AGAIN invite defeat, as they did in 2000 debasing of the Oval Office and ruining their White House legacy by publicly and brazenly lying to the American people: "I did not have sex with that woman, Ms Lewinski"!

Praetorian, Fort Myers   March 21st, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Good!!
The many who voted have already changed alliances and parties anyway.

McCain gained a lot of ground because of the DNC's arrogant incompetence and lack of vision–and the ultra left leaning of the two surviving candidates.

The Democratic party has actually been able to lose nearly all of their conservatives due to their ineptness and their social pandering. Great job guys!

Ron   March 21st, 2008 1:26 pm ET

You democrats are all alike. I am an independent and for good reason. Call it like it is, both of your candidated do not tell the truth. When I grew up, this was called lying. When you misrepresent a fact it is a lie. Neither of your candidates have any morals when it comes to running for President. Obama actually throws his grandmother under a train. And, yes there is HRC–enough said. I don't think she could tell the truth if her life depended upon it.

I know you hate Bush but let's get real here. Neither of the democratic candidates have the experience, judgement, and yes the morality to be president.

dolores mueller   March 21st, 2008 1:26 pm ET

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE SLOGAN "COUNT EVERY VOTE" DOEN'ST APPLY TO EVERYONE IN THE COUNTRY.

NOW THE SUPREME COURT CAN DECIDE WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG.

EVERYONE WHO VOTED IN FLA. AND MICHIGAN SHOULD SUE THE SUPREME COURT.

Bayou Joe   March 21st, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Today Governor Bill Richardson endorsed Senator Obama. According to him because he made a great speech on Race. It is amazing what little it takes to win over some politicians. Here is a man (Bill) who owes his political career to the Clintons, Whose State
was won by Hllary Clinton and where Hillary beat Obama 2-1 in the HIspanic vote and he endorses Obama.

This endorsement is a slap in the face of all Mexican Americans in the Southwest. Those of us who have served in War time and have children serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will not forget this come November.

It makes me wonder whether Barak Obama has offered Bill Richardson (allegedly an Hispanic), the VP position on his ticket, just to get the Hispanic Vote. Well Mr. Richardson and Mr. Obama it won't work for this Veteran and father of Children that served in Iraq and are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to defend and avenge the deaths of our innocent citizens that died in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. We will not surrender.

Pernaris   March 21st, 2008 1:23 pm ET

The Courts have no say in primaries and this is not federal.
The Democrats were cheated and bullied by the Republicans running Florida, and they are paying for a crime they did not commit.
The candidates were able to campaign, for national campaigns were seen and heard all over Florida, and although they didn't campaign locally, the people went out in record number (about 1.7 million) and now they are being silenced because is what the Republicans want.
This is their way io manipulating and again cheat, so their candidate have a chance in hell to get to the White House.
How long are we going to stand for this. I refuse to accept that we the democrats of Florida are being silenced so that this country can continue is Bush's path. Another 4 years of health, uncertainty, economic failures, and chaos in the homeland.
Florida needs to accept the vote and allow for the delegates to be seated.
Hillary won and that the end of it!

Life-long Democrat   March 21st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Can Hillary run as an Independent in the general election if the election is stolen and the democratic nomination is given to Obama?

It seems to me that if the democratic primary lacks the integrity to count the votes of all 50 states, then having (DEM) following your name isn’t a benefit. If I have to choose between Obama (DEM), McCain (REP), or Clinton (IND), I choose Clinton without a doubt!

Suzie   March 21st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

This is a good lesson in natural consequences. Florida purposefully broke the rules and for that they have a price to pay. Their votes will not count. Florida cannot decide when to vote without getting permission from the Democratic Party. This situation has not place in the overcrowded courts. Florida needs to seriously consider how their over zealous desire to be moved ahead in the voting season will affect the Democratic delegate count, Democrats may go into the Convention without a candidate

Flawed   March 21st, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Clinton was the last candidate who agree with DNC ruling.

bill   March 21st, 2008 1:18 pm ET

FL and MI knowingly broke the party rules to grandstand. Time to pay the consequences. If the dems in those two states want to throw their votes away in the general that's their perogative. Maybe they should start putting the blame where it belongs, at the doorstep of their state governments.

HEIDI   March 21st, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Start practicing these words…"President Obama"

DMAC in ID   March 21st, 2008 1:12 pm ET

We very badly need a reworking of the DNC and all the stupid rules.
I for one hope that everyone gets fired and we get some smart people in there to straighten out this party. Right now I can not believe I would have voted for Dean for Pres. Strange how things can happen to change your way of thinking.

D.W.; Miami, FL   March 21st, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Are people really THAT dumb. We have no federally protected right to participate in a party election or determine how any party (whether its the DNC or the Boy Scouts of America) runs its election. I didn't need to go to law school to figure that one out.

Hillary and the media (yes that's you CNN) has really snowed the general public with this disenfranchised rethoric. Now look what happens.

jason   March 21st, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Good ruling by the courts. The DNC is not itself part of the federal government and can handle business as it sees fit. They made the rules and the FDP decided not to abide by them. Florida needs to grow up instead of continuing to be the mascot for election ineptitude.

alvin4hillary   March 21st, 2008 1:10 pm ET

CNN is in the tank for Obama. No unbiased coverage. I noticed you even took away the readers ability to comment on your Obama articles. Too much bad reader reaction to Obama.

I know you won't post this comment but just thought I'd let you know that the people are well aware of your pro-Obama bias and they are changing the channel, going to different websites, and generally dismissing CNN's election coverage.

How sad. I remember when CNN was the gold standard among news organizations. Now you're more like the National Enqiurer.

St. Louis   March 21st, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Okay, and here comes the Hillary supporters in 1..2..3…

Hi   March 21st, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Clinton probably went along with the rules initially, because she thought that she would be the shoe-in for the nomination and everything would be wrapped up for her by Super Tuesday. Now since that hasn't happened, she wants to re-evaluate the whole issue and let those votes count.
The rules are the rules, and they all knew that these votes wouldn't count at the DNC's convention before signing the pledge, albeit, no one foresaw that there would not be a clearly defined nominee by now…

Peter   March 21st, 2008 1:06 pm ET

As long as we are tied to the two-party system, how can "national political parties have a constitutionally protected right to manage and conduct their own internal affairs" without citizens and voters having recourse to the courts to keep the parties honest?

The DNC and furthermore the RNC cannot be the final arbiters of who the only two candidates for president will be every four years who have the only true hope of being elected.

Peter S.
Georgia

Eric   March 21st, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I am an Obama supporter….we want the delegates to be seated at the convention…..but it must be executed in a proper way that doesn't hurt nor benefit either candidate. Let's be fair……..rules were broken, and measures had to be taken. It's definitely not the people's fault, it's there leaders fault.

Eric   March 21st, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Obama is reminding me more and more of Bush and the tactics he played in Florida in the 2000 general election. Not letting the votes in Florida count is un-democratic!

Jenn   March 21st, 2008 1:03 pm ET

the agreement both Clinton, Obama, edwards and all the others had a provision in it to hold a revote. So she really ins't changing posistions just exploring ALL the options in the agreement.

Gail   March 21st, 2008 1:03 pm ET

This is exactly what would happen if we had the do-overs in MI and FL. There would be endless lawsuits and we still would not have valid results. Lets accet where this race is….Barack will be our nominee and its time to unite the Democratic party and win the White House.

Democratics in 2008

sozzi   March 21st, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Good, finally a court makes the RIGHT decision. NO DO-OVERS. NO DELEGATES. Florida did not follow the rules.

Leah Reis-Cincinnati, Ohio   March 21st, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Any excuse will do to keep from having a fair count. Just like the last two elections. The Republicans will stoop at nothing to push their candidate in.

Heather   March 21st, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Time for everyone to go Independent and vote for who you want.

********GOBAMA '08************

An Agnostic Democrat   March 21st, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Was this man paid by Hillary to file this suit? Sure wouldn't surprise anyone if he was. I'm sure if the court had ruled in his favor, Hillary would have jetted down there doning her sash for another beauty contest celebration and demanded another press conference.

Jay   March 21st, 2008 12:47 pm ET

The DNC is a PRIVATE party and can conduct it's affairs any way they decide. Just because people make donations to them doesn't mean that all of a sudden they're governed by the same rules as our government institutions.

Done & DONE.

-Jay

California Voter   March 21st, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Now it's up to the DNC to make the decision as to whether they will disenfranchise the voters of two states that are critical to the democrats gaining the White House. The DNC is cutting it's nose off to spite itself. All the voters in those two states deserve to be included in this primary election. Rules allow for a revote and the Obama camp is blocking the revote. Is that how a leader unifies the party? Is that how Obama if he wins the nomination unify this country?????

Dennis, VA   March 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Good for the court, we had enough of this in 2000.

Bravo !

Eric Z   March 21st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Yeah. A sensible decision. No rhetoric.

Joyce in Florida   March 21st, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Hmmm. A court in Atlanta dismisses suit on Florida delegates? I believe this is a political move of the Georgia court system since Obama won Georgia in the primary. I bet it would be different if their State was having our problem. I hope that Victor DiMaio files an amended lawsuit; our delegates should be counted from the January 29th primary. Senator Obama is running scared and will do anything to be the elected nominee. His campaign is a disgrace. The DNC should step up to the plate and resolve this mess; remember the voters had no idea our votes wouldn't count. You can thank our Republican governor and legislature for this.

Senator Clinton, we are still with you and please don't give up!!!

GO HILLARY 08

soberone   March 21st, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Why did Clinton agree to the ban in the first place. She now after signing the papers wants to change positions.
Does the first agreement meen nothing All it does is stir up every nut case that dos't even vote and try to bring down a party or candidate
The lawyers better chase an ambulance

Jay MN   March 21st, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Popular vote partiipation in the nomination process is really little more than a courtesy. If Howard Dean wanted to, he could have chosen a nominee entirely behind closed doors.

It wouldn't have gone over well of course, but technically they could do it that way. Puiblic participation in the process isn't a right to vote; only the November vote is.

Jorge   March 21st, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Well done. The only suit posible about it is if the DNC resolve seat the delegates of Florida and Michigan. In this case a Suit against them will have legs because the election was based in an information that can not be change after that without void this election. For example if you are told that some election will be to elect a secretary, and after the election they resolve that instead of secretary they will use the same votes to elect a president, will be legal?No.

Chipster in PA   March 21st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Chairman Dean has made a serious mistake by disenfranchising voters in FL & MI. Rules may be rules but votes are votes too. Voters went to the polls when they were told to. They had no choice. When voters in FL & MI tell Chairman Dean in November that they won't bother to vote because their votes weren't valued in the primary, it will cost the Party and the nation dearly. It's a fool's game to insist that arbitrary dates mean more than the downward spiral gripping our nation. It would be nice to think voters will put the nation's interest ahead of their anger but, if Chairman Dean won't, why expect voters to be more forgiving?

Spirit of America   March 21st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Florida does it again.
Presidnetial election stolen in 2000 in Florida.
Presidential election stolen in 2004 in Ohio.
Presdential nomination stolen in 2008 in Florida?

Jeanne Beans   March 21st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Poor Hillary! Nothing she tries seems to be working…maybe it's time to cry again?

I'm sure she has even more tricks up her sleeve, but time is running out, and her attempts become even more obvious and more slimy.

GOBAMA!

Florida For OBAMA   March 21st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

BUAHAHAHAHA THAT'S TOO FUNNY!

OBAMA '08

North Carolina   March 21st, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Maybe, Chairman Dean, but I'll "manage and conduct" my VOTE all by myself, thanks. I've already removed myself from the DNC mailing list. After this election, I'm changing my registration to independent. I've had it with your mismangement, clown.

Simba   March 21st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Laws are not made to be trampled upon. Florida and Michigan knew what they were going into and Obama and Clinton alongside other DNC Presidential candidate knew what they all signed.

I am appalled at how people are twisting what transpired when such rules were made. Follow the rules for crying out loud! Sorry to Michigan and Florida but that is your luck!

Haley Rodman Clemson   March 21st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

If this isn't a sign from the DNC that they care little or nothing for Michigan and Florida Democrats then I don't know what is. I guess McCain will win both states with Nader coming in second. That would show the DNC who is boss.

Charlotte   March 21st, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Why does Floridas' elections always end up in some court?

Brian   March 21st, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Good. For the government to start telling private political parties how to choose their nominees would be the beginning of the end for Democracy.

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