TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s Democratic congressional delegation on Thursday asked the national party to seat the state’s delegation based on its January primary. The state party, meanwhile, expressed hope that the campaigns will agree on a plan by the end of the month.
The Democratic National Committee stripped Florida’s delegates because the state held its Jan. 29 primary earlier than party rules allowed. Hillary Rodham Clinton won 50 percent to Barack Obama’s 33 percent.
State party spokesman Mark Bubriski told The Associated Press that Florida officials have been talking with representatives for Obama and Clinton about recognizing all, or part, of the state’s delegates.
The Florida news comes after Michigan Democrats came up with a plan to restore its delegates, which also were stripped because of an early primary. Michigan officials have proposed that the DNC award 69 delegates to Clinton and 59 to Obama.
But Clinton’s campaign opposes Michigan’s plan because she would get four fewer delegates than she gained by winning the state’s Jan. 15 primary, and Obama would get more delegates.
N.J. governor sticks with Clinton
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine isn’t among those urging Hillary Rodham Clinton to drop her presidential bid, but he said Thursday that she has a tough task ahead.
“It’s a steep hill,” Corzine said on WOR radio. “I don’t want to put the spin on it that it’s going to be an easy ride.”
Corzine has endorsed Clinton and campaigned for her in several states.
“She’s going to have to have an exceptional run in the remaining primaries, and particularly with the popular vote,” Corzine said.
The governor is among nearly 800 superdelegates who likely will enable one of the two candidates to get the 2,025 delegates needed to win the nomination.
Edwards campaigner endorses Obama
WASHINGTON — David Bonior, a former Michigan congressman who managed John Edwards’ campaign, on Thursday endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president, saying he can fight for working people and take on Washington lobbyists.
Bonior pointed to Obama’s background as a community organizer in Chicago.
Bonior said he waited to endorse because he wanted the Illinois senator to prove he could take on Republican nominee-in-waiting, John McCain, in the general election.
