By John M. Broder The New York Times Caucus
Published: 05-01-08
Yet another proposal to resolve the mess arising from Michigan’s too-early primary has been floated this time by a group of prominent Democrats.
This latest plan would split the difference between the positions of Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.
Mrs. Clinton insists that the state’s 128 pledged delegates be seated according to the result of the Jan. 15 primary which she won although the national Democratic Party declared the contest illegal in advance and Mr. Obama’s name was not on the ballot. That would give her a 73 to 55 advantage in delegates.
Mr. Obama saying the primary was illegitimate and should have no bearing on the Michigan delegation said he would accept a 64-64 split.
Various plans to untangle the debacle — including holding a new primary or seating just half the delegation — have been rejected by one or more of the various parties.
Now Michigan’s so-called Gang of Four — Senator Carl Levin; Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick; Ron Gettelfinger the United Auto Workers president; and Debbie Dingell a Democratic National Committee member — are proposing that the delegation be split 69-59 reducing Mrs. Clinton’s 18-delegate advantage to 10 delegates.
No dice the Obama campaign said.
The Michigan primary the campaign said in a statement Tuesday “where Senator Obama’s name did not appear on the ballot and the candidates did not campaign should not be the basis for how the Michigan delegation is seated.”
The Clinton campaign was noncommittal. “The bottom line is that Michigan’s votes must be counted so that they have a voice in selecting our nominee” said Isaac Baker a spokesman.
The Michigan Democratic Party said it was studying the plan.
No comment from the national Democratic Party.
