WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battle to be the Democratic presidential nominee, the winner could be determined by primaries held weeks ago in Florida and Michigan, even though the party decided to ignore their results.

Both contests have been ruled unofficial because the states violated Democratic Party rules by moving their elections forward in a bid to have more influence in selecting the nominee.

Now Michigan and Florida's 366 suspended delegates could prove decisive if neither candidate lands a knockout blow in the states remaining before the party's August convention.

Party officials are trying to avoid an ugly standoff that could linger through the summer and anger the 2.4 million voters who participated in the two primaries, both swing states that may be crucial in the November election.

"The party is certainly concerned that some voters feel their votes didn't count," said Florida Democratic Party spokesman Mark Bubriski.

So far neither state has agreed to stage another contest.

Florida party officials say the state's large elderly and military populations would have trouble participating in a caucus, while a mail-based election would cost up to $10 million.

Michigan Democratic Sen. Carl Levin said last week it would not be "practical or fair" to hold a caucus after 600,000 people have already voted in that state's primary. Others have said it should not decide delegates because many stayed away from the polls on the belief their vote would not count anyway.
Democrats in standoff over Florida | Politics | Reuters

The Dems have more/less stated that these key states vote doesn't count while the GOP has taken a bit less hard line view on things. Can these people shoot themselves in the foot any further?

Besides aiding the GOP with this type of garbage they are now going to be hurting the party with divisions regarding the issue via Clinton...wanting the count and Obama...NOT wanting them included.

He won't debate...doesn't recognize votes from two major states. Yipper, the candidate for change.....LMAO!!!

The sound of President McCain doesn't seem so far out of reach.....

Have a good one!:s4:
Psycho4Bud Reviewed by Psycho4Bud on . Democrats in standoff over Florida and Michigan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battle to be the Democratic presidential nominee, the winner could be determined by primaries held weeks ago in Florida and Michigan, even though the party decided to ignore their results. Both contests have been ruled unofficial because the states violated Democratic Party rules by moving their elections forward in a bid to have more influence in selecting the nominee. Now Michigan and Florida's 366 suspended delegates could Rating: 5