The issue of Florida has been a major topic and headline along with Michigan ever since the end of January. Florida and Michigan had agreed to rules set by the Democratic National Committee before signing off on certain dates. As punishment for holding its primary too early, Florida and Michigan were stripped of their delegates.
Democratic co-frontrunner Hillary Clinton had won both states. She and Obama had agreed not to campaign in either of those states in agreement with the rules set by the DNC. Clinton did attend a few private fundraisers in Florida. Obama did not campaign in Florida or Michigan. Obama had taken his name off the Michigan ballot.
In the recent days, Clinton had demanded that the victories in both Florida and Michigan count.
She said that if the votes from neither state counts, there would be re-votes. While there are talks of re-votes, one problem still remains: the cost. Re-votes will cost between 12$ and $18 million at least. The question remains: who will pay for the re-votes?
One idea tossed into the air was a mail-in ballot. However, both Clinton and Obama disagreed with it. Obama said in Washington DC while delegates from both states should be able to participate in the Democratic National Convention, they should not be awarded to Clinton.
In the case of a combination of both in-person and mail-in ballots, it has been rejected by the Florida Congress. The plan that was rejected would allow for the combination to take place on June 3 in order to regain those pledged delegates.
“After reviewing the party’s proposal and individually discussing this idea with state and local leaders and election experts, we do not believe that this is a realistic option at this time and remain opposed to a main-in ballot election or any new primary election in Florida of any kind,” the statement said.
However, the DNC, Obama campaign, and the Clinton campaign would have to approve on any future measures.
If the ruling is overturned and delegates are awarded, Clinton would have a huge lead over Obama in the delegate count. Currently, Obama has a marginal lead over Clinton in the delegate count.