I've been reading a political discussion on a listserv between a number of California Democratic Party delegates--one of whom is also the chair of the state rules committee, and a member of the DNC rules committee. He and others rightly point out that nominating contests--though paid for by states and subject to state voting laws--are contests for nomination by a PRIVATE organization--a political party. As such, the rules of the parties determine how delegates are apportioned, the primary schedule, who can vote in party contests, etc. For example, in the late 1990s, California passed a law saying voters could choose at the door what primary they'd vote in. They do it in Iowa and Missouri. But the parties went to court to stop it ... More »

the facts of the outcome of the dnc committee are all here. i wish more of the public had watched the process. it impressed me, both in make-up of the committee and by their clear desire to use a democratic process based upon two factors. one--the process in primaries which had become so 'flawed' and how it had become that way. the other--following the rules the committee and the party had so painstakingly formulated to try to avoid flaws, yet believing following those rules are what allows democratic process for primary voting. they know more work needs to be done for the future.