US Democrats to decide over states
Saturday, 31 May 2008
The US Democratic Party's rules committee is meeting today in an attempt to reach a compromise over the disputed states of Florida and Michigan.
Both states broke party rules when they held their primary elections this year earlier than Democratic Party rules allowed.
Today's Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting will decide what to do about the states' delegates at the Party's convention in August.
'We need to come together and unite this party,' Howard Dean, the party chairman, said as the meeting opened. 'Part of that healing will begin today with a very spirited discussion, I'm sure, about Michigan and Florida.'
Hundreds of demonstrators, mostly Clinton supporters, jammed sidewalks outside the hotel where the meeting was held, holding homemade signs demanding the delegations be seated at the convention. 'Count our Florida votes,' read one sign.
Early on in the campaign, the candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination agreed not to campaign in either state.
But as the campaign progressed, Senator Clinton demanded the results of both Florida and Michigan be counted.
Senator Hillary Clinton won both states. Senator Barack Obama was not on the ballot in Michigan.
However, even if the results are counted, Senator Obama will still lead the race in terms of pledged delegates. Senator Clinton will, however, likely lead in terms of the popular vote.
The party's super delegates will still decide the outcome.
