Deal Reached Over FL and MI Delegates

The committee agreed unanimously with a proposal offered early this morning from Florida DNC member Jon Ausman, under which the Sunshine State will send a full compliment of 185 delegates to Denver, all of whom will have one half of one vote. An initial motion to seat every Florida delegate with a full vote failed, though by a surprisingly narrow 12-15 margin.

Michigan, which initially moved its primary to January 15 in violation of DNC rules, caused significantly more consternation during deliberations today. But after extended negotiations, a motion from Virginia committee member Mame Reiley, a Clinton backer, allocated 69 delegates to Hillary Clinton and 59 delegates to Barack Obama, each delegate with half a vote, passed by a 19-8 margin.

Overall, Clinton earned nineteen net delegates from Florida and five from Michigan, before super delegates from both states will be included. With the additional delegates allowed seats in Denver, the magic number Clinton and Obama strive for will be 2,118, up from the 2,026 delegates needed before today.

(via FL, MI Deals Reached, Real Politics)

Deal Reached Over FL and MI Delegates

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/05/deal-reached-over-fl-and-mi-delegates.html

Nebraska & West Virginia Go to Polls Today

With only 8 more primaries left before the conventions, Nebraska and West Virginia weigh in today with their votes. Clinton is expected to win West Virginia by a landslide, but in a primary season full of twists and turns, it is still anyone's game.

And it's probably just that fact that keeps Sen. Clinton chugging along even though most people agree she has no chance of pulling out the nomination at this point. But there has definitely been a shift in Obama's campaign as he is turning his attention from defeating Clinton to defeating McCain. His strategists are shifting gears and beginning to set their sights on the November elections.

The Obama Rules, RealClear Politics

Advice for Obama: Get Specific, Newsweek

Another Epic West Virginia Battle, USA Today

Nebraska & West Virginia Go to Polls Today

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/05/nebraska-west-virginia-go-to-polls.html

The Polls are Open

It's another day and another primary in Indiana and North Carolina. The polls are open and now it's time for the people to decide the fate of the candidates.

So we need to hear from all you Tarheels and Hoosiers. Did you vote today? Did you take your kids with you? Anything exciting, odd, or fun you want to share?

The Polls are Open

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/05/polls-are-open.html

Another Day of Reckoning

It's another day of reckoning for Sens. Clinton and Obama on Tuesday for the Indiana and North Carolina primaries. Clinton has appeared to enjoy a surge of support over the last two weeks after a poor showing for Obama during their last debate and the continued Wright controversy that still dogs him.

That just means it's still anybody's game. And Hoosiers and North Carolinians like a good game.

Will Indiana Save Hillary? Pajamas Media

Tuesday's Primary Unlikely to End Democratic Race, L.A. Times

Another Day of Reckoning

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/05/another-day-of-reckoning.html

Ready, Set, VOTE

Tomorrow is another pivotal primary...this time in the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. I know that for sure because I've been reminded every time I pick up my telephone, turn on the TV or listen to the radio. I even saw a crew from CNN eating a late dinner at a local Chili's tonight---just another sign that all eyes are watching this blue collar state.

A week ago analysts were predicting a possible upset for Obama, but tonight he is pretty much setting the stage for a lose. That definitely puts the pressure on Clinton to win big. And win big is what all the pundits are saying she has to do to stay alive in this race.

Why Pennsylvania Matters, Real Clear Politics
Obama's Closing Argument, Slate
Can Obama Pull Off a Win in PA?, Daily Telegraph

Ready, Set, VOTE

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/04/ready-set-vote.html

Florida Will Not Hold Revote

Despite long talks with both campaigns, the Florida Democratic Party said Monday it will not hold a second primary in the state. The decision now goes to several committees within the DNC that will decide which delegates will be seated at the National Convention in August.

No new primary for Florida Democrats, CNN.Com

Florida will not revote, Talking Points Memo

Florida Will Not Hold Revote

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/03/florida-will-not-hold-revote.html

Is a Do-Over Inevitable?

Remember last month when Florida and Michigan held their primaries but their votes didn't count? Well now, the idea of a do-over is beginning to gain steam, especially in light of the Ohio and Texas primary results.

Let me refresh your memory on how we got here. Florida and Michigan moved up the dates of their primaries against the wishes of the Democratic party. So the Democratic National Committee stripped both states of all delegates for holding the primaries too early, and all Democratic candidates — including Clinton and Obama — agreed not to campaign in either state. Obama's name wasn't even on the Michigan ballot.

However, Clinton's campaign is entertaining the idea of holding another round of primaries in those states---a move that would likely help her catch up in the delegate race. Obama is open to the idea so that "delegates from the two critical swing states can participate, but not if Clinton is rewarded for victories in boycotted primaries."

But while both candidates seem open to the idea, there is definitely a fly in the ointment. Florida's governor is opposed to using tax payer money to fund another primary, however, he would be open to it if the Democratic National Committee wanted to foot the bill---approximately $25 million.

I think we'll begin to see Clinton's campaign start to vigorously advocate for these two states to hold their primaries in June (their original primary dates). A victory in Pennsylvania and then in Florida and Michigan for Clinton would possibly gain her the momentum she needs to role into the convention and win over the superdelegates she needs to secure the nomination.

Is a Do-Over Inevitable?

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/03/is-do-over-inevitable.html

This is going to get nasty...

And confusing...
But, oh, so fun.

Late-breaking numbers out of Texas’ odd two-phase voting system put an asterisk on Hillary Clinton’s Tuesday night victory speech, showing gains made by Barack Obama in the delegate grab race had all but numerically canceled out her big win in Ohio.

Although Clinton got a major boost in morale by winning more raw votes than Obama in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island (she lost to Obama in Vermont), an Associated Press count of the delegates shows Clinton only reduced her opponent’s lead in delegates by 12.

(via)

This is going to get nasty...

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/03/this-is-going-to-get-nasty.html

Super Tuesday Wrap Up

I went to bed last night with Obama leading in Texas and woke up this morning to a Clinton victory instead. What a difference a few hours makes in politics! So let me recap all the twists and turns that have changed the political landscape in just the last 24 hours.

Republicans

1. John McCain easily won all four primaries and received the number of delegates he needed to clinch the Republican nomination.
2. President Bush is expected to endorse Senator McCain today.
3. Mike Huckabee gracefully bowed out of the race last night telling his supporters, "We kept the faith. I’d rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place.” He vowed to continue to help work with McCain to unite the party and country.

Democrats

1. In a do or die victory, Hillary Clinton clinched wins in Rhode Island, Ohio and, the big prize, Texas. These victories will energize her campaign and some pundits speculate this could keep the race tight right up to the convention. However, despite her wins, Barack Obama still has a slight lead in the number of delegates.
2. Obama won the Vermont primary.

While McCain shifts gears and starts building his general election campaign, the Democratic contenders, Obama and Clinton, will continue to go head to head.

*All links go to related stories on that candidate.

Super Tuesday Wrap Up

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/03/super-tuesday-wrap-up.html

The Latest from the Front Lines

1. Four state sweep gives John McCain enough delegates to win GOP nomination.
2. Mike Huckabee drops out of the Presidential race.
3. Hillary Clinton wins Ohio and Rhode Island.
4. Obama wins in Vermont and he's ahead in Texas.

the night is still young...

The Latest from the Front Lines

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/03/latest-from-front-lines.html

Ralph Nader Announces Run for White House

On Meet the Press this morning, Ralph Nader announced that he is jumping into the race for the Presidency.

Nadar is an American attorney, author, lecturer and political activist in the areas of consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism and democratic government.

Nader has been a staunch critic of corporations, which he believes wield too much power and are undermining the fundamental American values of democracy and human rights.

This is Nader's fifth attempt at running for President. He ran for President four times (in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. In 1992 he ran as a write-in in both the New Hampshire Republican and Democratic primaries, and other primaries. In 1996 and 2000, he was the nominee of the Green Party; in 2004, he ran as an independent, but was also endorsed by the Reform Party.

via wikipedia.com

Ralph Nader Announces Run for White House

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/02/ralph-nadar-announces-run-for-white.html

What is a Superdelegate?

We are hearing more and more about the possible role "superdelegates" could play in choosing the Democratic nomination. But what is a superdelegate and why is their vote so powerful? Here's some interesting facts from Wikipedia:

• Superdelegates are not selected based on the party primaries and caucuses in each U.S. state.
• Instead, the superdelegates are seated automatically, based solely on their status as current or former elected officeholders and party officials. They are free to support any candidate for the nomination.
• At the 2008 Democratic National Convention the 796 superdelegates will make up approximately one-fifth of the total number of delegates.
• Among the superdelegates, there are 270 Members of Congress, 32 Democratic Governors, 20 Distinguished Leaders, and 313 Democratic National Committee Members. The remainder are mostly unpledged add-on delegates that have yet to be named, and mostly named by each state's Democratic party.
• Superdelegates may support any candidate they wish, including one who has dropped out of the presidential race.

Interestingly, the superdelegate is a modern invention. After the 1968 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic Party changed its delegate selection process to make the convention less subject to control by party leaders and more responsive to the votes cast during the campaign for the nomination. However, some Democrats thought these changes weakened the role of party leaders and elected officials so the superdelegate was created after the 1980 election.

The first test of the superdelegate came in the next election. Gary Hart and Walter Mondale went to the convention with Hart slightly behind in total number of votes cast but Mondale won the support of almost all the superdelegates and became the nominee.

What do you think? Could the superdelegate change the course of history in this election?

What is a Superdelegate?

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-is-superdelegate.html

Woman VP for McCain?

There is already lots of talk about who John McCain could pick as his running mate when he gets the nomination. This article outlines the pros and cons of the top 24 names being thrown around. I thought it was interesting that several women are mentioned.

Woman VP for McCain?

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/02/woman-vp-for-mccain.html

McCain and Obama Victorious in Primaries

Voters in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. overwhelmingly chose Barack Obama yesterday in the Potomac Primaries. With a large margin of votes, Obama increased his string of wins to eight straight primaries over Clinton and now leads the delegate count by 8.

For the Republicans, McCain increased his comfortable lead over Huckabee also winning all three primaries, although Huckabee did give him a run for his money in Virginia.

For more on the fall out of these primaries, you can visit:

Obama and McCain Sweep 3 Primaries, New York Times
For Clinton, Bid Hinges on Texas and Ohio, New York Times
McCain to Huckabee: It's Over, Fox News

McCain and Obama Victorious in Primaries

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/02/mccain-and-obama-victorious-in.html

The Potomac Primaries

It's Tuesday and that means there must be a primary or two somewhere in the nation. Why, yes, there are three: Maryland, Virginia and D.C. We'll see if weather ends up being a factor since there is snow and a wintry mix in that part of the nation, or if it will be another day of record turnout.

If you live in one of the Potomac states and you voted today, leave us a message and let us know that your vote will be counted!

The Potomac Primaries

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/02/potomac-primaries.html