SCDems News
SC Dems Decide Delegates' Fate
June 3, 2008
A South Carolina Democratic couple was just one of a handful of people who helped decide the fate of thousands of votes Saturday.
Don and Carol Fowler are part of the Democratic National Committee's Rules and By-Laws commission, made up of 30 people, that decided to allow both Michigan and Florida's delegates attend the national convention, but with only half a vote. It's a penalty for holding primaries too early.
Carol says it was one of the toughest decision's she's had to make since being with the commission.
"It was highly charged with candidate interests as well as the interest of fairness and equity," said Carol's husband, Don.
"I really don't think any solutions were legal under rules and I don't think any solutions were fair to not only each candidate but to the voters of Michigan," said Carol.
That's because even though only Hillary Clinton's name was on the Michigan ballot, the commission chose to give a percentage of the delegates to Barack Obama.
Fowler says because the election itself wasn't a legit process, it didn't matter that Obama's name wasn't on the ballot.
Don disagrees.
"I voted for the so called 'Michigan Compromise,' but I didn't do it gladly. It was an abomination when you look at who voted in Michigan and who got the delegate votes," said Don.
Though some supporters say Clinton won't let up a fight over Michigan's delegates until the convention, Don hopes it doesn't go that far.
"If there were a credential fight, a divisive credential fight, in the convention itself, that would hurt the party. I hope and I think we will not have that," said Don.
He says the decision was the closest thing to fair, but admits it took a toll on the Party.
"I think there are some bruised feelings, but I'm hopeful and I believe in a few days or a week or so we'll have everything straightened out and we'll have a united party," said Don.
Even the Fowlers are split right now: Don supports Clinton and Carol supports Obama. But come November, The Fowler's will have a house united making it a much easier decision.
"We'll be for the same candidate up and down the ticket," said Carol.
She points out that this type of decision is not unique to Democrats. Republican's have taken away half of six states delegates, including South Carolina.
WLTX
