We are proud to officially announce that Florida’s Democratic Presidential Preference Primary will be held on January 29, 2008, in accordance with a new state law and the will of Florida’s Democratic voters.
Although Democratic National Committee (DNC) rules can penalize states (except for Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina) that hold 2008 primaries prior to February 5, the Florida Democratic Party’s leadership determined that holding a process outside the state-run January 29th election would be detrimental to the voters of this state.
We did not come to this decision on our own.
Over the past few months, the Party discussed the issue with the DNC, Democratic Presidential candidates, Democratic leaders in Florida, and committed Florida Democrats. We read emails and letters, and, in the end, a clear consensus emerged.
Florida Democrats made it clear that a date other than January 29th would potentially disenfranchise voters and inhibit preparations for a winning 2008 campaign – a campaign that will deliver the state’s 27 crucial electoral votes on November 4, 2008 to the Democratic Presidential nominee.
Also, we all know the importance of November, but the January 29 elections will affect the people of Florida as well, with important municipal races on the ballot in many cities, and a statewide property tax constitutional amendment that threatens county budgets and local jobs.
As the Florida Democratic Party, we cannot and will not support disenfranchisement that could occur if our primary were held on a date other than January 29, 2008. Our state has seen far too much of this in the past.
Also, we agree with many who wrote and e-mailed us with concerns that holding a separate, later election would take our eyes off the prize and adversely affect the progress made toward winning the state for the Democratic nominee in 2008. As it's been said, there’s just too much at stake.
Because of these reasons, the Florida Democratic Party has respectfully requested that the DNC not enact penalties on our state or Democratic Presidential candidates by diluting the Florida delegation’s voting strength. The Delegation Selection Plan we submitted to the DNC is available online at http://www.fladems.com/... until July 20 for your comments.
We will keep you posted as the discussions with the DNC continue.