Local leaders prefer caucus to primary in Michigan

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Local leaders prefer caucus to primary in Michigan

By Jim Pinkerton

BERRIEN CO. — Few primaries are left, and the Democratic presidential race is still too close to call. Michigan and Florida delegates could decide the winner. That's why Gov. Jennifer Granholm and local Democrats are pushing to have Michigan delegates seated at this summer's convention.

Barack Obama is leading Hillary Clinton by 62 delegates. Florida and Michigan's 313 would tip the scale in Clinton's favor.

The DNC has told Florida and Michigan to hold new primaries or caucuses at their own expense, so their delegates can be seated. Granholm and local Democrats are leaning towards a caucus, which would save the state $10 million.

A caucus or primary would give both candidates the opportunity to campaign and appear on the ballot.

"Now, we are going to have a voice in the nominee. Before we would have had no voice because in years past, it's been settled before," said Jess Minks of the South County Democratic Club.

But that voice won't come cheap. January's primary cost Michigan $10 million.

"If there is a new primary, it will cost as much as last winter's primary, perhaps more, given I think you will have a high turnout," said Mark Brewer of Michigan's Democratic party. "I don't think the state can afford it because of the financial situation."

So, leaders are leaning towards a caucus, which would cost local Democratic parties $2 to $4 million.

"We'll start talking to folks asking for that $2, $3 donation. We'll do a fundraiser. We'll do what we have to do," said Minks said.

In the midst of uncertainty, one thing is for sure: It won't be done at taxpayer expense.

"They've already paid for an election. We are not going to ask taxpayers to do that again," said Granholm.

The primary or caucus would be held in early June. Even Clinton, who won the January primary, wants it. Her campaign believes she would get more votes, giving her more delegates.

If the state decides to hold a caucus, people won't get shuffled from room to room. They would get ballots and vote in private booths, like a primary. A candidate would have to get 15 percent of the vote to be awarded delegates.

Saturday, Mar 8 at 1:37 AM Yazway wrote ...

If Michigan and Florida vote again. Then what would have been the point of moving their primary up? What would have been the point of all those people going out and voting? If the DNC wants the citizens of those two states to vote again. Then they should ask them if they want a revote or want their first vote to count. Otherwise the states of Michigan and Florida should the DNC thank you, but no thank you. We already picked the name where going to put of the ballot in the fall.

Saturday, Mar 8 at 1:05 AM Jonathan wrote ...

This article is lying. There isn't a delegate count anywhere that shows Obama only ahead by 62 delegates. All of the delegate counts show him ahead by between 135 and 160 pledged delegates, and somewhere between 95 and 120 delegates overall.

Saturday, Mar 8 at 1:00 AM Bambi wrote ...

The actions of the MI legislative body in changing the primary date without agreement of the DNC is an embarassment. Candidates took their names off the ballot. To re-do the primary--at any cost- cheapens the election process.

Friday, Mar 7 at 12:27 PM Bill wrote ...

Unfortunately, Indiana, I think the DNC will cave in on this one. They should have the fortitude to stick by their decision, but won't. It also seems like a caucus will eliminate a lot of potential voters who can't be at the caucus.

Friday, Mar 7 at 11:45 AM CriticalDune wrote ...

Actually blame the MDP leadership for agreeing to then breaking the rules. If can appeal to the credentials committee and apporting delages 50/50. I don't want my contributions going to a "do-over" because of MDP egos.

Friday, Mar 7 at 3:22 AM Indiana wrote ...

Sorry, folks,the decision was made by the DNC to disallow the votes. No one to blame but the Michigan Legislature and the DNC

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