( - promoted by lpackard)
4th Update: Et tu, Kucinich? (Freep)
3rd Update: Dodd stays in as well. (Politico) Statement from the Dodd campaign, courtesy of Tim Tagaris: ""We are committed to the importance of Iowa and New Hampshire going first, and we signed the four-state pledge to hopefully prevail upon the DNC and the state parties to add clarity to that situation. However, it does not benefit any of us if we are the nominee to pull our name off the ballot and slight Michigan voters," said communications director Hari Sevugan."
2nd Update: Clinton stays in. (AP story) BTW, Biden is also out.
Update: Here's a statement from the Edwards campaign, courtesy of Tracy Russo: "Michigan is a great state with some of the finest Democrats in the nation - but it's important we respect the role that the four early states play in the nominating process. In Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada voters can look their candidate in the eye and determine who is best to bring about real change in America. In these early states issues matter more than money, celebrity and advertisements. Voters want and deserve a candidate who represents real people, not corporate special interests, and this primary process will help ensure that's exactly what the American people get." -Edwards Campaign Manager David Bonior
From the Freep:
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards both filed paperwork to have their names withdrawn minutes ago with the Michigan Secretary of State's office.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson sent a letter yesterday, also asking to be taken off the list.
Today is the deadline for candidates to have their names removed.
Meanwhile, Christine Barry of Blogging for Michigan is liveblogging the Republican presidential debate in Dearborn. |