Each state's Dem committee decides whether Edwards votes "count"

Teri B. · 02-02-2008, 02:29 PM

This is a post from John Edwards blog. Very interesting. I didn't know that state party rules will govern Edward votes at this point.

Quote:

Each state's Dem committee decides whether votes for candidate whose campaign is suspended count
aironeverde in News
2/02/2008 at 1:38 PM CST

The rules regarding delegates to the convention are decided by each state. In each state, it is the party (i.e., the party's state committee) that makes the rules governing questions like what is the effect, if any, of votes for a candidate who has withdrawn or who has suspended his campaign. So if your state's primary has not yet taken place, you need to know what the rules are in YOUR state. In some states, like mine (NJ), a vote for Edwards will not count and will not get him any delegates. But the rules may be different in another state.

On Wednesday I was hoping that my vote for Edwards next Tuesday might at least make it possible for Edwards supporters to go as delegates and have a say in the voting, even if Edwards is no longer a candidate. But that simply won't happen. therefore I'm trying to hurry up and decide between the other two.

If you vote for a withdrawn/suspended candidate in a state in which such votes will not count, I think the effect will be to give an advantage to whomever is the front runner of the remaining candidates.

I couldn't find an answer on the Alabama Democratic Party's website on how votes for Edwards will count, if at all (so far as delegates), so I called and left them a message. Does anyone know where to find these answers?

Here's some other posts on this:

What happens to Edward's delegates? - By Brendan I. Koerner - Slate Magazine
Daily Kos: Caucus State? John Edwards? Join Us in a vote of Respect and Appreciation
Daily Kos: Attention Edwards supporters: you should still vote for him
Edwards' delegates - Ben Smith's Blog - Politico.com

Teri B. · 02-02-2008, 03:24 PM

YouTube - John Edwards - "Mess" TV Ad -...

SaraW · 02-02-2008, 05:58 PM

This information is not easy to find.

California Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan

This is also helpful:
Candidate Qualification Procedures from Secretary of State

The way I read this, any candidate who qualified for the election and did not withdraw by December 7, 2007 will be on the ballot. If candidate on the ballot or any properly qualified write-in candidate receives 15% of the vote in any district, that candidate will receive a proportionate share of that district's delegates. It doesn't say votes for a suspended candidate will not be counted. But it doesn't say they won't be. I think that means they will be.

EvilMonkey · 02-02-2008, 06:04 PM

Interesting, I was wondering how they deal with this. Thanks for the educational post, Teri.

jdanton · 02-02-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericgtr

Interesting, I was wondering how they deal with this. Thanks for the educational post, Teri.

One hell of a system, isn't it.

I suspect there's a lot we don't know.

I wonder, for example, if there's a way Florida can still send delegates without some kind of legal battle.

Teri B. · 02-04-2008, 02:52 PM

I found out the answer to this btw. In Alabama, Edwards will receive delegates and those delegates will likely be asked by Edwards to throw their support towards another given candate.

In talking to the guy with the Alabama Democratic Party, I found out I can still apply to be a delegate at large for the general election! I'm filling out the application now!

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