Ed. - What will be Sen. Hillary Clinton's role at the Democratic National Convention in Denver?  In late June 2008, Heidi Li Feldman, a Georgetown University professor, and Marc Rubin, two Clinton supporters acting independently of her campaign, launched an effort called The Denver Group to ensure that Clinton's name is put in nomination at the Convention and that there be a genuine roll call vote.  The group's newspaper ads in July drew a fair bit of attention.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

An Open Letter To Howard Dean from The Denver Group

Dear Dr. Dean,
Through the wonders of the internet The Denver Group has learned that you have reportedly discussed us in an interview today. Since the purpose of our ads has been to make our points partly to you as well as the rest of the DNC and Democrats as a whole, normally we'd be pleased to know they are getting through to you. But based on the interviewer's characterization of your comments, we don't think you actually know much about The Denver Group, its founders, and its goals. The interviewer writes:
When asked about the ads criticizing him and Speaker Pelosi for Clinton supposedly not being on the ballot at the convention, he [Howard Dean] scoffed. Clinton will be on the ballot at the convention, and will be speaking there. Dean indicated that the rules were so clear on this matter, that the groups running these ads and spreading these rumors must be associated with the other internet rumors going around, such as Obama being a Muslim. He also speculated that McCain supporters might be behind these rumors.
No need for you to speculate, Dr. Dean. We are happy to tell you exactly who we are, what we expect of you and the DNC, and why your comment that Senator Clinton's name will be on the ballot is not enough. Senator Clinton's name must be put in nomination, not just "on the ballot" and the roll call vote to be a real honest and open opportunity for superdelegates to do their job under DNC rules and select the nominee at the Convention. Just saying that Senator Clinton's name will be on the ballot is not going to fool anyone. Being on the ballot counts for nothing if a candidate's name is not placed in nomination. More than 18 million Democratic voters would be pleased to hear you say publicly that there will be an open convention with Senator Clinton's name placed in nominaton and an open roll call vote.

Since the interviewer in question does not quote you directly and certainly has never asked us about our views on any of the matters you supposedly raised in relation to our group, we are not speculating as to what you actually said or what you actually believe or know about The Denver Group and its founders, Heidi Li Feldman and Marc Rubin. If you want to actually know and so that you have your facts right feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Heidi Li Feldman and Marc Rubin
for The Denver Group

The Denver Group has been formed to insure that the Democratic National Committee respect and carry out the democratic process at the convention in Denver this August by meeting certain specific goals. We will be advocating, and if neccessary pressuring, through purchased mass media as well other accepted avenues, the Democratic National Committee to see to it that these goals and the interests of tens of millions of Democratic voters are met.

Our goals are:
An open convention.

Senator Clinton's name placed in nomination. No symbolic roll call vote.

Speeches allowed by supporters of Senator Clinton on behalf of her candidacy.

A genuine roll call vote with Senator Clinton as a legitimate candidate.

No coronation.

1. Senator Clinton has only suspended her campaign. She has not conceded and never offered a statement of concession which is traditional when someone is no longer a candidate. She did not officially end her candidacy which she could have chosen to do. She is still technically a candidate.

2. Senator Clinton has not released her delegates. Releasing or asking her delegates to support Senator Obama is also something she could have done. She has not. All of Senator Clinton's delegates won during the primary season are still committed to her and can cast their votes for her at the convention as long as her name is on the ballot.

3. Super delegates public declarations do not count. They can change their minds ( as some did during the primary). They are not committed to any of their public declarations. Nothing counts until they cast their votes in Denver on August 27th.