Michigan do-over primary plan facing challenge

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

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Michigan do-over primary plan facing challenge

By WSBT News1

CASS CO., Mich. — Just a day after Florida lawmakers decided not to go ahead with a do-over primary in the Sunshine State, some Democratic leaders in Lansing are balking at a compromise plan for a do-over primary election in Michigan, too.

Last Friday, Michigan Democratic Party leaders announced they'd reached a compromise on a plan to hold a new primary or caucus on June 3. Tuesday, key Michigan Democrats said it now appears "highly unlikely" the legislature will sign off on the deal.

Any new primary would be funded by private donations, and some lawmakers say that's a big concern. They don't feel private money should support a public election.

That's one reason some Florida lawmakers gave when they decided not to hold a do-over primary there.

Cass County Democratic Party Chairman David Taylor says he's not convinced Florida played a role in the division now coming from Lansing.

"I don't think it plays into Michigan's situation," he said. "But I think both Florida and Michigan have the same problem. It must go through the legislature."

But it now appears making it happen won't be so easy.

"They have a formidable task, because they've got to get it through that legislature, and I think it's quite late at this time," said Taylor.

Even so, big name Democrats like Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Senator Carl Levin are still backing the do-over idea in Michigan.

Senator Hillary Clinton has also called for another vote.

But Senator Barack Obama's campaign hasn't committed to the idea, and some Obama supporters in the legislature remain skeptical that the move is a good idea.

Others worry county clerks can't pull it off in time.

As the clock continues to tick, Taylor is more and more convinced it won't happen.

"It's still my belief the do over will not happen," he said. "It's still my belief that those [delegates] elected on the 29th of this month will go to Denver."

It's one reason Cass County Democratic leaders are still moving forward with plans to elect their delegates at the end of this month.

But the question remains, will those delegates be seated at the convention?

National Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean has said repeatedly that he will not bend the rules.

Taylor says the rules can be bent, without breaking Dean's word.

"The credentials committee will decide who is seated and not seated. That's his out," said Taylor.

Not everyone is on board with that plan.

"I think it should be redone if their voices weren't heard, so it can be a true honest election," said Cass County voter Jenita Bishop.

"I think it's a bad idea," disagreed Cass County voter Mary Pegan. "We had a one shot deal, just like everyone else."

A new survey from a Lansing based marketing group shows just how divided the state is.

According to the Associated Press, of the 600 voters surveyed, 47 percent favor a do-over and 42 percent don't.

If the do-over isn't approved, and the delegates are seated, there is still a question of which candidate would get the delegates.

As the chips lie now, Taylor says about 60 percent would be committed to Senator Clinton. The other 40 percent would be free to commit to either candidate.

It should be apparent within the next 48 hours whether that scenario is realistic.

Michigan House lawmakers adjourn for a two week spring recess on Thursday, and the general consensus is, if some sort of do-over proposal isn't passed by then, it never will be.

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