A SoapBlox Politics Blog
[Mobile Edition]
About
- About Us
- Email Us (news/tips)
- Editorial Policy
- Posting Guidelines
- Advertise Here
Feedburner

Subscribe to Michlib daily email summary. (Preview)
Enter address:

Donate
Become a sponsor and support our work.

 MichLib sponsor list

Michigan Political Blog Ad Network

Advertise Liberally

50 State Ad Network

Another way to express your disdain for the January 15 primary

by: SharonRB

Thu Nov 29, 2007 at 11:42:12 AM EST


This is part of an e-mail I got from Doug Kelley, one of the co-leaders of the Michigan Draft Gore movement:

"With an increasing possibility that NO candidate will win the nomination on the first ballot (in the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August), the possibility of the delegates turning to Gore may also be increasing. Gore supporters here in Michigan will be well advised to vote on the "Uncommitted" line, on the January 15 Democratic primary ballot. In each Congressional District in which 15% or more of voters vote "Uncommitted," one or more uncommitted delegates will be chosen (in the Spring) to go to the Dem National Convention. So . . . all is NOT lost, from a Draft Gore point of view!"

Even if you're not a Gore supporter, if your candidate is one of those not on the ballot, you can vote "uncommitted" to help get as many uncommitted delegates at the convention as possible (if our delegates even get seated) to help keep [fill in the blank] from getting Michigan's votes on the first ballot.

Now I don't know whether to vote for Dodd or Uncommitted!

SharonRB :: Another way to express your disdain for the January 15 primary
Tags: , , (All Tags)
Print Friendly View Send As Email
Don't worry about it too much (4.00 / 1)
The chances of us having only a 15 January primary are slim. Plus, Kelley's theory is flawed since there will be no delegates selected on 15 January.

West Michigan Rising: The Progressive Blog for Our (future) Left Coast

I hope you're right, Phil (4.00 / 1)
This is such a sham!

[ Parent ]
I should say that when the 15 January Strawpoll (4.00 / 1)
is actually used I do suggest "uncommitted" as the vote. In fact, I may make up an "uncommitted" yardsign! Uncomitted Rules and You Pledge-Breaking Candidates Suck

West Michigan Rising: The Progressive Blog for Our (future) Left Coast

[ Parent ]
Carl Levin is suggesting "uncommitted" as well. (0.00 / 0)


[ Parent ]
LOL - I love that idea! (4.00 / 1)
We could probably sell them as a fundraiser.

[ Parent ]
A technical question for you (4.00 / 1)
Does Michigan election law require a candidate to agree in writing to be listed on the ballot? I get the "uncommitted" strategy & I'm impressed by the passion of the Draft Gore folks. With that, though, even if we all put on our woolies, trudge out in the snow and select "uncommitted" rather than a write-in at the primary... it's still not clear that Gore could be placed on the MI ballot for November 2008 without his written consent. Happy to be corrected -- hopefully this doesn't open up a big can o' legalese...

You're right (4.00 / 1)
This is not really an effort to get Gore's name on the ballot. This is to get as many uncommitted delegates to the convention as possible so that if the convention is deadlocked there could be enough delegates to draft him on the floor of the convention, should he be willing to be drafted. This isn't really just about drafting Gore, though. This is about people protesting the fact that they have so few choices on the ballot and if their candidate isn't on the ballot, it gives them a place to voice the fact that they are really selecting "none of the above."

[ Parent ]
Write In (4.00 / 4)
A candidate must declare ahead of the election their intention to run as a write in candidate. Candidates who don't file the paperwork, but "win" as a write in anyway don't actually get any votes.

[ Parent ]
Jordon, where are you reading that? (4.00 / 1)
It seems the new DSP allows write ins in section II.B.

West Michigan Rising: The Progressive Blog for Our (future) Left Coast

[ Parent ]
State Election Law (4.00 / 3)
I heard Brewer on NPR this morning warning voters not to write candidates in, but instead use the uncommitted line. I've also worked as an election inspector, and we were given a list of approved write in candidates on the morning of the election. If a candidate doesn't file a declaration of intent to run as a write in, their votes don't count. Thats the way normal state elections work. I'm applying it to this because of what I heard on MichPubRadio this morning, not the DSP. I openly admit I might be wrong on this ;)

[ Parent ]
I have the same understanding, Jordan (4.00 / 1)
but I haven't read the whole new DSP yet.

[ Parent ]
Ditto (4.00 / 3)
That's also my understanding Jordan. Of course, that is a very sneaky way for some coward candidates to have it both ways -- Take their names off of the ballot, then add it back on as a write in. Of course, they wouldn't have to go through these shenanigans if the men had half the balls that Senator Clinton (and Dodd) does.

Nothing is easier than solving a problem on the back of the poor. People who don't have lobbyists or clout.

[ Parent ]
A non technical reply for you (4.00 / 4)
If you vote uncommitted there is a good chance that you had been thinking about voting for one of the four who withdrew. In that case, you have both notified the MDP that you are a likely Dem voter at the very time they have screwed you on a choice. Don't do it. Have you read Frank's book "What's the Matter with Kansas?" Basically, the premise is a lot like the beginning of the movie "Babe". Those hogs think they are going to a higher place. The hogs are right, if you think the higher place is on a plate at Denny's at 2:00 a.m.

[ Parent ]
You're correct. A an uncommitted vote or a vote for Gravel, Dodd, or Kucinich will tell the MDP that you are a likely Dem voter. (4.00 / 2)


[ Parent ]
But, since the 15 January "primary" will (2.50 / 2)
likely be followed by an actual delegate-selecting caucus in late January or early February, why not vote in the primary/beauty contest and the caucus/delegate-selecting election. And what better way to demonstrate that we don't want Hillary as the nominee and that we don't like the Forces of Coronation that tried to rig the process than by having her get beat by "uncommitted" (especially coming off a loss in Iowa).

West Michigan Rising: The Progressive Blog for Our (future) Left Coast

[ Parent ]
I finally read most of the DSP and I don't know if it's an error or intentional, (4.00 / 1)
but in two places it refers to voting via the Internet. There won't be Internet voting for the primary, and the primary is all they talk about in the plan as far as voting to determine the breakdown of the delegates. Does everyone think this is an error or was it intentional in case we have a caucus?

[ Parent ]
Overlooked, I believe it is corrected now. (4.00 / 2)


[ Parent ]
So they have a newer file up now than the one that went out the other day? (4.00 / 1)
And they didn't send out an e-mail telling everyone there was an updated file?

[ Parent ]
How It's Going to Go Down (4.00 / 2)
I'lll be the first to admit Hillary is going to take a loss in Iowa. She'll come in 2nd in the Iowa Caucuses on Janary 3, behind Obama and ahead of Richardson. Edwards will drop out. Iowa will be the rise and fall of Obama. Clinton will narrowly win New Hampshire on January 8. She'll win Michigan by a wide margain on January 15 even though the press will call it a meaningless victory. She'll go on to sweep Nevada and South Carolina four days later on January 19, along with Florida 10 days later on January 29. By the time Super Tuesday comes around on February 5, Obama will be running on a hope and a prayer. Dodd will be gone. Biden and Richardson will be hanging on for a chance at the VP spot. Kucinich will continue to the end on principle. Clinton and the DNC will seat the delegates from all the states in August.

[ Parent ]
Whoa ... confidence! (4.00 / 1)
Can we file this away as the official northernlib prediction?

Among the Trees

[ Parent ]
Prediction (4.00 / 1)
Five weeks out, consider it as likely as Phil's prediction that labor will waste $2.5 million on a Democratic caucus to select delegates three weeks after the State of Michigan spends $7 million on a primary for the same purpose (and with 10-20 times as many voters in the primary vs. a caucus). Labor has already said no to funding the caucus. To Phil's credit though, he's finally woke up to the fact that the primary will take place.

[ Parent ]
LOL (4.00 / 3)
Thanks for the last bit of humor before I call it a night. Carry on.

Nothing is easier than solving a problem on the back of the poor. People who don't have lobbyists or clout.

[ Parent ]
That's no fun... (4.00 / 1)
How about a prediction you'll hang your hat on?

Among the Trees

[ Parent ]
Prediction (4.00 / 1)
Hillary Clinton will be our next President.

[ Parent ]
Which means... (4.00 / 1)
the election will be another fun re-fight of the Vietnam War for the Boomers that the rest of us get dragged through. I am looking forward to the day when Baby Boomers are no longer the movers and shakers in the political arena.

[ Parent ]
Heh. I'm a boomer (tail end, 1959), and I'm not really (4.00 / 3)
looking forward to my demise.

[ Parent ]
Me, too! Front loaded 1949. (4.00 / 2)


[ Parent ]
I know you all don't (4.00 / 1)
You've been the center of things since the Sixties and you're not going to go quietly. :) I'm just tired of having to rehash the Vietnam Era every four years. Bill Clinton - draft dodging inept-pot-smoker, Bush - National Guard Vietnam avoider, Gore - served as Military Reporter unlike other sons and daughters of politicians, Kerry - Not a War Hero and Dubious War Protester, Hilary - Married to a philandering Draft-dodger, Romney - religious deferment during Vietnam, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

[ Parent ]
Hey Northern (4.00 / 2)
are you a dues paying member of the site for 2008? If not, I'll make the following offer to you: If Hillary wins the dem nomination (not the actual office of president) I'll pony up for your membership for 2008. If the forces of Coronation/Restoration are defeated, and Hillary does not get the nomination, you have to pony up for mine. Deal?

[ Parent ]
Paid up already, but... (4.00 / 2)
Gree, I will go along with your deal but I want to up the ante. If Clinton becomes the nominee, you contribute $100 to Michigan Liberal and another $100 to her campaign. If anyone else does, I'll contribute $100 to Michigan Liberal and another $100 to the nominee's campaign. All contributions will be made through Eric. It's a win/win for Michigan Liberal and a win/win for the eventual Democratic nominee. Anyone else in..Yvette, MichMark, Cole, Boyle, Phil, memiller, JPowers, Nazgul? This would be a great fundraiser for Michigan Liberal and the Democratic nominee.

[ Parent ]
w00t! (4.00 / 3)
That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

Among the Trees

[ Parent ]
If I lose I'm paying in person (4.00 / 1)
and only after you buy me a beer (secret previously unreleased codicil to the bet)

[ Parent ]
sorry (4.00 / 1)
I still do not have a dog in this fight(I know, that's a poor choice of words, just ask Michael Vick). As soon as I can decide on a favorite, I'll be glad to join the fray.

The end of the human race will be that it will eventually die of civilization.

 - Ralph Waldo Emerson


[ Parent ]
Bo-o-o-o-o-o-o-ring (0.00 / 0)
I like the other one better.

Among the Trees

[ Parent ]
Other one? (0.00 / 0)
Do tell. And, I'm trying to play nice with the other kids.

[ Parent ]
In this very thread (0.00 / 0)
The comment under the title "How it's going down." Specific, and narrowly focused.

Among the Trees

[ Parent ]
How It's Going Down (0.00 / 0)
That was more messin' with Phil than an actual prediction.

[ Parent ]
Yes, but... (0.00 / 0)
It was also a lot more fun.

Among the Trees

[ Parent ]
Edwards is rumored to be releasing some staffers as early as 12/10. (4.00 / 1)


[ Parent ]
Obama is rumored to be a vegetable eating (4.00 / 6)
jihadist who, if elected, will take the oath of office with his hand on a piece of damp tofu.

[ Parent ]
Poor Barack (0.00 / 0)
if the rumors are true, and why wouldn't they be, . . . .

[ Parent ]
Kent County Plainfield Township Clerk (4.00 / 1)
Um, so? (4.00 / 1)
Print the ballots, get them out. The other clerks around the state seem to have been doing a rather effective job in this regard over the past week. Enough with the whiners. If she/he can't handle the position, perhaps a resignation is in order.

[ Parent ]

Search
Progressive Blogroll
For MI Bloggers:
- MI Bloggers Facebook
- MI Bloggers Myspace
- MI Bloggers PartyBuilder
- MI Bloggers Wiki

Statewide:
- Blogging for Michigan
- Call of the Senate Dems
- [Con]serving Michigan (Michigan LCV)
- DailyKos (Michigan tag)
- Enviro-Mich List Serve archives
- Democratic Underground, Michigan Forum
- Jack Lessenberry
- JenniferGranholm.com
- LeftyBlogs (Michigan)
- MI Eye on Bishop
- Michigan Coalition for Progress
- Michigan Messenger
- MI Idea (Michigan Equality)
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
- Rainbow Mittens
- The Upper Hand (Progress Michigan)

Upper Peninsula:
- Keweenaw Now
- Lift Bridges and Mine Shafts
- Save the Wild UP

Western Michigan:
- Great Lakes Guy
- Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott
- Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Gay
- Public Pulse
- West Michigan Politics
- West Michigan Rising
- Windmillin'

Mid-Michigan:
- Among the Trees
- Blue Chips (CMU College Democrats Blog)
- Christine Barry
- Conservative Media
- Far Left Field
- Graham Davis
- Honest Errors
- ICDP:Dispatch (Isabella County Democratic Party Blog)
- Liberal, Loud and Proud
- Livingston County Democratic Party Blog
- MI Blog
- Mid-Michigan DFA
- Pohlitics
- Random Ramblings of a Somewhat Common Man
- Waffles of Compromise
- YAF Watch

Flint/Bay Area/Thumb:
- Bay County Democratic Party
- Blue November
- East Michigan Blue
- Genesee County Young Democrats
- Greed, Eggs, and Ham
- Jim Stamas Watch
- Meddling Outsider
- Saginaw County Democratic Party Blog
- Stone Soup Musings
- Voice of Mordor

Southeast Michigan:
- A2Politico
- arblogger
- Arbor Update
- Congressman John Conyers (CD14)
- Mayor Craig Covey
- Councilman Ron Suarez
- Democracy for Metro Detroit
- Detroit Skeptic
- Detroit Uncovered (formerly "Fire Jerry Oliver")
- Grosse Pointe Democrats
- I Wish This Blog Was Louder
- Kicking Ass Ann Arbor (UM College Democrats Blog)
- LJ's Blogorific
- Mark Maynard
- Michigan Progress
- Motor City Liberal
- North Oakland Dems
- Oakland Democratic Politics
- Our Michigan
- Peters for Congress (CD09)
- PhiKapBlog
- Polygon, the Dancing Bear
- Rust Belt Blues
- Third City
- Thunder Down Country
- Trusty Getto
- Unhinged

MI Congressional
District Watch Blogs:
- Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (CD08)

MI Campaigns:
MI Democratic Orgs:
MI Progressive Orgs:
MI Misc.:
National Alternative Media:
National Blogs:
Powered by: SoapBlox