Sorry America!

White House race back in Florida sun

TALLAHASSEE - Signs are everywhere that Florida will return to center stage in presidential politics next week. Howard Dean will be in Tampa on Monday evening, where the Democratic National Committee chairman will combine fundraising with a sit-down dinner with Florida Democrats to try to soothe hard feelings after the national party refused to recognize the state's primary results.

Democratic leaders said they can close any gap with McCain once they resolve the fate of the 211-member delegation to the national convention in Denver this summer. Since Florida moved up its primary in violation of party rules, the national party has refused to seat the delegation, leaving the state party in turmoil. Democrats expect the delegation issue to be resolved by May 31, when the national party's Rules and Bylaws Committee meets to consider an appeal.

A potential compromise involves recognizing at least half of the delegation, while losing half as a penalty. As another sign the national party is reaching out to Florida, DNC chairman Dean will attend a $1,000-a-plate fund-raiser and dinner with state Democrats at the Mise en Place restaurant in Tampa on Monday night. The event is being hosted by Tampa lawyer Bill McBride, a Clinton supporter, and Frank Sanchez, a Tampa businessman and adviser to Obama.

Some Democrats said Dean's appearance is an indication that the event is not just a fundraiser for the national party. "It's more of a let's all sit down and begin the healing process so that we can all come together in November to defeat John McCain," said Ana Cruz, a Democratic consultant in Tampa who is supporting Clinton. "It's really an opportunity for folks to kind of vent a little bit and tell the chairman how we feel and then move forward."

Looks like the Democrats are doing their best to ensure Floridians...Democrats at least...retain the "Stupidest Voters in America" award we got in 2000.