Clinton's Florida "Win" - Florida delegates to be seated? [View All]

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http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/01/29/politics/fromtheroad/entry3767920.shtml

Clinton's Florida "Win"

(CBS)
From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

DAVIE, FLA. -- Florida Democrats delivered a win to Hillary Clinton tonight, though it was a hollow victory since no delegates were at stake.

"I did not come here in person to ask for your votes, but I am here to thank you for your votes," Clinton said referring to a pledge she signed last year with all the other Democratic presidential candidates. The pledge stated they wouldn't campaign in Florida. After the Florida Democratic Party moved its primary from February 5th January 29th last summer, the Democratic National Committee stripped the state of all its delegates and prompted the candidates' pledge.

Even though this win doesn't help her in the delegate race, Clinton and her campaign set up a victory rally and did all they could to give off the impression that Florida was a big win.

Clinton said, "Floridians wanted their voices heard...I am thrilled to have had this vote of confidence you have given me here today. I will do everything I can to make sure that not only are Florida's Democratic delegates seated, but Florida is in the winning column for the Democrats in 2008."

In fact, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman told CBS News' Peter King tonight that she expects the Florida delegates to eventually be seated.

"In talking with {House}] Speaker {Nancy}] Pelosi and then confirmed by {DNC Chairman Howard}] Dean, they both said that they believe that it would happen," Thurman said.

The Barack Obama campaign knew that a loss in Florida was all but certain and spent most of the day downplaying the win. As the results were announced, Obama spokesman Bill Burton sent reporters an e-mail that read: "Obama and Clinton tie for delegates in Florida. 0 for Obama, 0 for Clinton."
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