NPR: Could Uncommitted Vote Best Clinton in Michigan?

Could Uncommitted Vote Best Clinton in Michigan?

Is it possible to lose an election when you're the only major candidate running? It may be heard to believe, but the Clinton camp is afraid that this just might happen to them in Michigan.

The Detroit News reports that Michigan Democrats could turn out in larger numbers than expected for the presidential primary on January 15. But Sen. Hillary Clinton is the only 'major' candidate whose name will be on the ballot. (Chris Dodd, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich are also on the ballot, even though Dodd has dropped out of the race.)

Sen. Barack Obama, former Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Bill Richardson previously withdrew their names because Michigan moved up its primary despite being told not to do so by the Democratic National Party. And they did not file by this past Friday's deadline to allow their write-in votes to be counted.

But according the News, more Democrats than Republicans could turn-up to vote in the primary even without a real contest. (Another sign of how energized Democratic voters are?) State Democratic officials, including party Chairman Mark Brewer, have encouraged Democrats to vote, even if their candidate isn't on the ballot. Supporters of Edwards and Obama could mark the "uncommitted" portion of the ballot. If 15 percent of Democrats statewide or in any congressional district vote "uncommitted," the state could send some delegates to the national convention who would be free to vote for any candidate they wanted to support.

(Although the national party said it would strip Michigan of its delegates if it didn't move its primary back, Brewer stuck to his guns and said the state party would still send delegates and he expected them to be eventually seated despite the penalty.)

And there in lies the problem for Clinton. What happens if there are more "uncommitted" votes than votes for her? Detroit News pollster Ed Sarpolus said Friday that Clinton would get a black eye if she gets anything less than 60 percent of the vote.

3:53 PM ET | 01- 7-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I can't believe that Clinton remained on the ballot in Michigan. What kind of tom foolery is this? If the DNC ends up counting those delegates after all, I will never ever vote Democratic again. This whole thing stinks. Michigan voters deserve to have their votes count, but not now that it is too late for Edwards and Obama to be on the ballot.

Sent by Mark Birdsall | 6:50 PM ET | 01-07-2008

That would be so funny! Losing to "uncommited". The only thing more humiliating would be a loss to "Easter Bunny".

As far as the DNC seating (or not seating) delegates. There are rules, and those rules must be followed. Otherwise, you have this never-ending free-for-all. If either party wants to have a meaningful organization, they need to keep their "loose cannons" locked up.

The primary system (for both parties)needs some modification.
First, the number of delegates up for grabs should increase with contest. Without an increasingly number of delegates, your party could get "locked into" a candidate that might not survive some (late breaking) scandal after first 2 or 3 primaries.
Lesson here: Don't commit TOO SOON!
Winning the nomination in February only makes you a target that much sooner!

Sent by Harold | 11:17 AM ET | 01-08-2008

As a resident in Westland, MI I feel that it should be stated to the public a lil more often as to why the candidates are not on the ballots. they are following their partys' rules. Politics the right way as Obama has stated. and yes Hilary will receive her black eye!! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!! Uncomitted will be my vote!

Sent by Netta Young | 9:52 AM ET | 01-09-2008

This whole thing is absolutely ridiculous. Is it the Michigan Democratic Party that is responsible for this fubar (i.e. scheduling the primary in advance of the DNC defined date of February 5 and not putting in so that voters can write in for their candidate of choice)? Whoever is responsible should be accountable to the voters...heads should roll!

Sent by Davion Clark | 9:35 PM ET | 01-13-2008

It angers me, as a Michigander, to have my voice squelched in this manner! I will vote 'uncommitted' this evening. Hillary dissed us, basically.

Sent by Julie in Grand Rapids | 1:57 PM ET | 01-15-2008

Hillary Clinton remaining on the ballot wasn't fair. Everyone else removed their name and she didn't. NO HILLARY OR BILL AGAIN IN 2008. WE HAD ENOUGH OF THEM. ALLOW NEW FRESH BLOOD IN THE DONKEY PARTY.

Sent by CHOCOLATEICE | 12:09 PM ET | 01-16-2008

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