Fla. Dems Reject Presidential Straw Poll [View All]

TAMPA, Fla. -- Florida Democratic Party leaders on Sunday rejected the suggestion of a presidential straw poll in exchange for a commitment from all nine candidates to attend next month's state convention.

The state party's central committee, which voted overwhelmingly against a straw poll, expressed concerns that candidates would not attend the convention and the poll controversy would make it difficult to attract other speakers.

The idea had growing support until the Democratic National Committee wrote the state party saying none of the candidates would attend the Dec. 5-7 convention if party activists voted on their preference for a presidential nominee.

Candidates don't want the poll because it draws resources that could be used in the important early primaries and caucuses, state party Chairman Scott Maddox told the 81-member committee. Florida's primary isn't until March 9 -- following 28 other states.

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