April 4, 2008 Michigan Statements

PRESS RELEASE from Democratic National Committee

Joint Statement from DNC Chairman Howard Dean, Senator Carl Levin, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Michigan DNC member Debbie Dingell and UAW President Ron Gettelfinger

After a conference call among Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Michigan Senator Carl Levin, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, DNC member Debbie Dingell and UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, the participants issued this joint statement:

"We are united in our commitment to doing everything we can to ensure that a Michigan delegation is seated in Denver this summer. We also know that any solution needs to be acceptable to both Democratic presidential campaigns. While there may be differences of opinion in how we get there, we will continue to work together to ensure that a Michigan delegation is seated and that the logistics are in place for a Michigan delegation in Denver. We have every expectation that we will succeed in that endeavor, and then go on to win in November."


PRESS RELEASE from Michigan Democratic Party

News from
THE MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Liz Kerr
April 4, 2008

MDP Executive Committee Concludes a Party-Run Primary or Caucus Not Practical

LANSING--The Executive Committee of the Michigan Democratic Party issued the following statement today:

The Michigan Democratic Party has carefully reviewed several proposals for a Party-run primary or caucus as a means of resolving the dispute over the seating of the Michigan delegation to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. We have concluded that it is not practical to conduct such a primary or caucus. We will continue to work with the Working Group, the DNC and the candidates to resolve this matter in a manner which is respectful of the views of Democrats in Michigan, and which is fair to those who voted in the January 15th Democratic primary.
 
 

MDP Chair Mark Brewer will hold a press availability today regarding this announcement:
 

WHO:  Mark Brewer, Michigan Democratic Party Chair

WHAT: Press availability

WHEN: 3:30 TODAY, April 4, 2008

WHERE:  MDP Headquarters

      Hart-Kennedy House

      606 Townsend, Lansing
 


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PRESS RELEASE from Hillary Clinton for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2008

Contact: Press Office
press@hillaryclinton.com

Clinton Campaign Reaction to Michigan Democrats’ Statement

Deputy Communications Director Phil Singer issued the following comment in response to a statement by the Michigan Democrats’ Executive Committee:

“The issues and voters of Michigan are too important to be dismissed. Close to 600,000 Michiganians cast ballots in January and these votes cannot be ignored. We urge the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee to take all necessary steps to ensure the voices of the people of Michigan are heard and its delegates are seated at the Democratic convention this summer. Already, over 100,000 people have signed our petition calling on the DNC to seat the delegates from Michigan and Florida. We urge Senator Obama to join our efforts to ensure that the votes of the people of Michigan and Florida are counted.”
 
 

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STATEMENT from Obama for America
April 4, 2008

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe On Michigan Delegates

“Senator Obama firmly believes that the Michigan delegation should be seated in Denver. A 50/50 split of the delegates is an eminently fair solution, especially since originally Senator Clinton herself said the Michigan primary wouldn’t ‘count for anything.’ It’s now up to the Clinton campaign: they can agree to a fair resolution or they can continue trying to score political points and change the rules. It’s time to move forward. Senator Clinton should accept an equitable solution that allows Michigan to participate fully in the convention,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.