FLORIDA.
In Florida, the unique circumstances of primary election chaos have given us Gore supporters an opening to express our support. As stated in the Florida Delegate Selection Planthe Florida Democratic Party, in the form of state party Chair Karen Thurman, has the authority to place a person on the Florida primary ballot whether that person is an announced candidate or not.
That candidate list is presented to the Florida Secretary of State on October 31, 2007. The list is then made official by the vote of the Presidential Selection Committee composed of the Democratic and Republican Party Chairs and the leaders of each party in the state house and senate chambers. These six are joined by the non-voting Secretary of State.
The list is official on November 7 and anyone on the list that does not want to run can file an affidavit by November 13 to have their name removed.
So here is a plan for your consideration. Every Florida Gore supporter contacts party chair Karen Thurman and asks that she add Gore to the Florida primary ballot. Under normal circumstances requesting the inclusion of an unannounced candidate would not be considered, but thanks to the irresistable need for Florida Republicans to manipulate the political process, these are not normal times. The announced presidential candidates have pledged not to campaign in Florida because of fear of voter retaliation in NH, IA, NV and SC.
The Democratic National Committee has stripped Florida of all their delegates to the Democratic Convention making the primary a perfunctory beauty contest. Since the Florida primary is reduced to a non-binding popularity contest, why shouldn't Florida Gore supporters get to express their support at the ballot box in this circumstance?
I personally accept Gore at his word and do not think he plans on running. I also think he is experienced enough to know that conditions change, so he has left the door ever so slightly open.
It is this door that we might push open if Chair Karen Thurman puts Gore on the Florida ballot. The real importance of getting getting Gore on the ballot is not that people in Floridan get to vote for Gore, but that pollsters will add Gore to their polling data. And if they start polling for him in Florida, it will almost certainly cascade into them polling his support in the other states too. Then it will be in black and white, for all the world to see, just how much actual support Al Gore has in this country.
Then I believe he will enter.
I encourage all the Gore draft organizations to buy media ads in Florida informing voters of this option. I encourage Gore supporters everywhere to call friends and relatives in Florida and let them know. I encourage Gore supporters to cross-post this information at any blog they frequent. Get out the word. It doesn't cost us anything to contact Karen Thurman and the price for inaction is no Gore candidacy.
I know those who have been the most certain that there is no possibility of a Gore candidacy will help in this effort since this strategy will lead to the vindication of your position as Gore will surely withdraw his name and end the draft movement, so Gore supporters can then move on to supporting your candidate. You are sure, aren't you?
Wouldn't it be sweet irony if Republican chicanery in Florida caused the beginning of a Gore 2008 campaign? And many , many thanks to all the people throughout the country working towards a Gore presidency.
James
Florida Delegate Selection Plan check out Section II.A.Ballot Access
Contact info:
Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman
214 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone 850-222-3411
FAX 850-222-0916