Today the DNC punished Florida for moving up their primary past the agreed upon date (from Feb 5th to Jan. 29th) by stripping Florida of all of their delegates. I wholeheartedly agree with this move, especially the 30-day grace period. If, as Sen. Nelson ironically stated yesterday, “cooler heads prevail” within the next month and Florida moves their primary back to Feb. 5, then all will be forgiven/forgotten.
I have further two suggestions for the DNC. First, it’s my understanding that it will cost FL Dems a pretty penny to hold a primary or caucus on a different date than the Republicans (who might keep the earlier date). The DNC should chip in for the costs, perhaps lending a helping hand in a discrete way that does not create an “open season” on DNC funds. Second, if Florida remains obstinate, then the DNC should grant Florida exactly one delegate. If push does come to shove, and come August 2008 Florida still has not reached accord with the national party, then at least Florida will be represented and the cameras can show at least one Floridian. But more interestingly, I would love to see the internal battle over the one delegate slot. Who would get it? The Chairman of the FL Dems? Sen. Nelson? That infighting would be sweet justice for a bunch of whining rule-breakers.