http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002636753Judge Upholds Sanctions Against Florida Democrats
By Rachel Kapochunas, CQ Staff
A federal judge on Wednesday upheld the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) sanctions against Florida Democrats for moving their presidential primary to Jan. 29.
Florida Democrats, Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Alcee L. Hastings , were among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the DNC and its chairman, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, arguing that the committee’s decision to strip Florida Democrats of all 210 of its delegates was unconstitutional because it violated voters’ rights.
But at a hearing Wednesday, Chief U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida ruled in the DNC’s favor.
In a conference call with reporters, Nelson said he will not appeal the court decision.
The DNC celebrated what they viewed as confirmation of their right to set and enforce party rules.
“We’re pleased the court ruled in our favor, recognizing the constitutionally protected right of the Democratic National Committee to enforce its rules and treat all state Democratic parties in a fair and equal way,” said DNC Communications Director Karen Finney in a statement. “The DNC is committed to protecting the right to vote for every American, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that Florida turns blue in 2008.”
DNC rules for 2008 stipulate that only a handful of states — Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina — are permitted to hold delegate selection contests prior to Feb. 5. The rule-making body of the DNC announced Saturday that Michigan Democratic delegates will be similarly banned if the party does not change its delegate selection plan in the next 30 days. Michigan is due to hold its presidential primary Jan. 15.
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