Developing: Michigan re-vote agreement may come as soon as tomorrow

It looks like Michigan is close to having a new primary election to allocate it's delegates to the Democratic National convention.  Unlike Florida, this plan is being drawn up in consultation of both of the campaigns, and actually seems like it has a chance of being agreed upon.  An agreement could be reached as soon as tomorrow.

While the Associated Press, which broke the story, is not too clear on exactly what type of election would be held, but it appears that it would be some sort of primary, either state run or party run.  A mail in primary has been ruled out, because of concerns from both campaigns.  Additionally, a state-run vote is being held on May 6th, which could be moved to be combined with the primary.

The contest must be held by June 10 for the results to count under DNC rules. Michigan currently has an election set for May 6 for voters to decide on education issues. The date of that contest could be changed to accommodate a new presidential primary.

The Clinton campaign made it clear that it strongly prefers a state-run primary to mail-in voting during the meeting, according to a campaign official speaking anonymously about the private talks. People involved in the private meeting said the Clinton advisers favor the state-run primary because there would be less likelihood of problems such as fraud and ballot counting than with a mail-in vote.

I believe that a new primary election would be the most fair option to resolve the Michigan dispute.  There are several questions that still need to be answered, most importantly what the eligibility of voters that voted in the Republican primary will be.  I assume that any agreed upon solution will exclude those voters from voting again, but nothing has been said as of yet.

On the Florida side of things, it is looking like a re-vote is unlikely.

Asked if the plan will be implemented, Thurman said, "I have a feeling that this is probably closer to not, than yes."

Members of Florida's congressional delegation reiterated their opposition to the plan, saying, "We do not believe that this is a realistic option at this time and remain opposed to a mail-in ballot election or any new primary election in Florida of any kind."

If Florida can't get it's act together to hold a fair and fraud proof election, I think that Michigan having a primary would diminish Florida's argument for having their delegates seated.  I think if Michigan can pull off a re-vote, Florida's delegates will not be seated unless they can pull of a vote that both the candidates can agree to. As a Floridian, I don't see this happening.

If Michigan can arrange for a new primary that is agreed upon by both candidates, I am all in favor of it.  I am an Obama supporter, but to me, it is important to have this election whether it ends up benefiting Obama or not.  It will give Michigan Democrats an opportunity to participate in a fair election and will help build a base of Democratic support for November.  Let's hope the campaigns and the state parties can work this out so that the Democrats in Michigan will have a chance to have their voices heard.