Fla. Dems Reject Presidential Straw Poll

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.

more................

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-democrats-straw-poll,0,6688636.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

The resources excuse may have some validity. But a decision like this is ultimately based on fear of unpleasant results - a fear shared among the various campaigns and by the party itself. And when you look afraid...

Talk about handing the opposition something to make fun of! "Democrats afraid of poll." Pffffft.

""One person is going to love it and eight people are going to hate it," Maddox said. "It is costly, it is expensive, and it takes them out of the delegate race that they're currently in. And if they lose at this stage, it is the death knell for several."

Sorry about that. I have firmed up my opinion on this now. Dean was coming anyway, whether straw poll or not.

The DNC just played our state like a violin.