We’re sticking with January 29th, and we’re going to make it count. There will be no alternative processes. Democrats in Florida will have a strong voice on January 29th, 2008. 

The nation will be watching, and the outcome of the election will set the tone for the rest of the race. Florida and the winning candidates on January 29 will get plenty of recognition with or without delegates, and we will have far more impact on the race, being a week prior to 20+ other states on Feb. 5, than if we were going later.

The Party does not consider the January 29th election a “beauty contest” or a “straw poll.” On January 29, 2008, there will be a fair and open primary election in Florida, which will provide for maximum voter participation -- calling it anything but an election is disrespectful and misleading.

The Party considered many options to comply with DNC Rules, but none were able to meet the goals of holding an open and fair process, maximizing participation, protecting the right to vote and building the Democratic Party.

Additionally, the other solutions would either 1) fail to reach all Democrats; 2) spend money we don’t have or that should be spent on winning elections; and/or 3) confuse voters by taking away from Jan. 29th.

Additionally, the four early states informed the Florida Democratic Party that they would not allow the Presidential candidates to campaign in Florida even if we held an alternative process.

There is too much at stake on January 29. The ballot will also feature a referendum on a right-wing property tax constitutional amendment and important municipal elections in many areas around the state. Our friends in labor, including firefighters, teachers, hospital workers and police, will face potentially devastating cuts across the state if the amendment passes.