Senator Bill Nelson

This is a letter received from Senator Bill Nelson, on March 21, 2008.  I just want to say, thank God for representatives who put the voting rights of the individual above 'party politics'.  Thank You, Senator Nelson!

I've heard from so many of you recently about the national political party and how it's handled the results of the Jan. 29 Florida primary. First, let me thank you for your thoughts on this very important issue. We are, of course, engaged in seemingly greater debates about our economy, Iraq and health care. But rarely does an issue arise that is so fundamental in our democracy: the right to vote.

In January more than 1.7 million Floridians headed to the polls and cast ballots in the state's presidential Democratic primary. But the rules of both national political parties had reserved early presidential contests to a handful of other states -- Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. So both parties stripped Florida of delegates to the upcoming national conventions.

The GOP docked the state half of its allotted delegates to the national convention this summer. The Democratic Party -- inexplicably -- went further than its own rules required and stripped Florida of all of its delegates -- more than 200 votes that now loom especially crucial in the race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

In response, I sued the Democratic National Committee and its chairman, Howard Dean, in federal district court. I lost the court fight, but I have continued to push for the party to seat Florida's delegates. I more recently suggested the state consider a mail-in revote.

My fight has been based on the simple premise that in America every citizen has an equal right to vote -- and to have that vote count.

With so much at stake, and the race so close, it's apparent to almost everyone that Florida must get to help pick the presidential nominees. To protect voters' rights in future elections I have filed legislation that would establish a series of regional primaries so citizens can elect their presidential nominees directly without political party bosses involved in the decision-making.
You can also send Howard Dean an email telling him to honor the Florida vote!

 Sincerely,
Bill Nelson