But Florida Democrats and Republicans BOTH acted like cry-babies.  "We want our vote to be EARLIER, we want to be KINGMAKERS!"  By the time the vote gets to Virginia, it won't even matter!  Most likely, a candidate will already be chosen.  But do you see us complaining?  No.

I'm sorry you guys don't get the primary vote.  I think it was a little too harsh.  But maybe next time you'll allow the primary process to go as the party dictates it, rather than forcing your way ahead against party rules.  I feel sorry that we're losing a chance at Florida's electoral votes, but I must admit that I feel little pity for your plight. 

And don't say "it is the legislature."  Polls show a VAST majority of Floridians wanted their primary date moved up, regardless of party rules.

I guess what I'm trying to say this is a bad move on all sides.  I'd prefer if the DNC only allowed half of the delegates instead of none, but don't place sole fault on the DNC.  You guys broke the rules.  Did you really expect to get away with it?

It was the REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED legislature.  And of course people when polled would say they would want their primaries moved up.  Admit it, so do you.  If there were no consequences Virginians would do it tomorrow.  Did the pollsters explain the consequences when asking the question?  I think not!!!

The bottom line is that the current system is not fair.  And Virginians SHOULD be complaining.  Why should Iowa be the king maker?  Why should a handful of states have more power than the rest of us?

I, a Floridian, would GLADLY vote on the same day as everyone else.  That's the FAIR thing to do.

The problem isn't Florida trying to have their vote count for something.  The problem is that both parties won't have a reasonable primary system in which all states vote on the same day.

"I guess what I'm trying to say this is a bad move on all sides.  I'd prefer if the DNC only allowed half of the delegates instead of none, but don't place sole fault on the DNC.  You guys broke the rules.  Did you really expect to get away with it?"

The bad move happened years ago when the parties decided that a few states should have a special status.  So either you help fix the problem, or stop complaining when Floridians say that we want the special status also.

And you aren't going to lose a handful of delegates.  You are going to lose MANY delegates.  And probably lose the state of Florida in the general election now.  Prior to this I thought Democrats would win Florida - though it would be close.  Now it leans Republican again.

Your lack of compassion for Florida voters will cost Democrats an election in a tight race.  Way to go Howard Dean.

You better bring some real bruisers from Virginia to the DNC because we're going to send the biggest lads we've got.  If our vote doesn't count I think it will be quite a show when Florida starts pulling the fists out.  Howard Dean won't escape this thing without a black eye.  Republicans should expect the same. 

"Don't count Florida's vote" - them's fightin' words.  I think the nation will hear loud and clear what Floridians think when the parties decide their vote doesn't count.  It's been a long time since we've witnessed an old fashioned ass kicking at the DNC.  Maybe it's about time for a reminder on the sanctity of voting.

I might also point out - you just united Florida Democrats and Republicans on a single issue.  I don't know if that is good or bad.  But all of Florida is pissed.

You better bring some real bruisers from Virginia to the DNC because we're going to send the biggest lads we've got.  If our vote doesn't count I think it will be quite a show when Florida starts pulling the fists out.  Howard Dean won't escape this thing without a black eye.  Republicans should expect the same.

I am going to assume you're speaking metaphorically.

But this is the issue Florida will be voting on in the General Election? Not Iraq, not health insurance, not income inequality, not jobs, but an esoteric debate over a marginal degree of influence over the nominating process?

Mr. Jefferson's grandson would not be pleased.

We may not all like the current system, but we work within it. Personally, I don't like the fact that the drinking age is 21, but I don't go around buying alcohol for teenagers and sticking my tongue out at cops.

Why don't you have your Congressional delgation introduce a bill to change the primary nomination process? By my count there are forty-six states that are relatively disenfranchised by the current system. There should be enough support to get such a bill passed.

Just a thought.

Republicans would never vote for it.  Democrats are damaged MORE politically and they are happy with that situation.  After all, half their delegates count.

Why doesn't Harry Reid and Pelosi push this?  They aren't acting as leaders right now.  There is no leadership on this right now.

"But this is the issue Florida will be voting on in the General Election? Not Iraq, not health insurance, not income inequality, not jobs, but an esoteric debate over a marginal degree of influence over the nominating process? "

In a democracy, non of these things matter when the VERY BASICS of a democracy don't exist.  Our vote is sacrisanct.  You can say "it's just a primary" - well hogwash.  Primaries matter - just as much as the general election itself.

Finally, Florida voters were not aware that there would be consequences by changing the primary date.  It wasn't like anyone said "if you do that, the consequence will be that your vote won't be counted in the primary".  In fact, this is one of those votes that occured with very little fanfare at the time. 

A good leader - which Howard Dean is not - would have communicated consequences better.  We didn't support a decision knowing we would forfeit our vote in the primary.

I would, right now without hessitation, keep our old primary date if our vote counted.  However, I would like to point something out.  Republican legislatures won't change the date - we are a Republican state after all.  Also, florida didn't move to the front of the line.  Here is the lineup as is:

District of Columbia 1/8/2008
Iowa (caucus) 1/14/2008
Nevada (caucus) 1/19/2008 
New Hampshire 1/22/2008
Wyoming 1/22/2008
South Carolina 1/29/2008
Florida 1/29/2008

So, we would actually be voting at the same time as South Carolina.  Why didn't anyone have a problem with them voting early?

And what about Iowa, Nevada, New hampshire, and Wyoming ALL VOTING BEFORE Florida?

Given that our votes will no longer count if we don't do something, Florida needs to hold a caucus for 2008.  And since we've been slighted by both national parties - I hope we hold it on 1/13/2008.  If that doesn't prompt legislative reforms I don't know what will. 

I would also point out that Florida has more residents that the other states combined.  And please, don't compare this to the drinking age.  This is about our votes!  This is about electing a President!