DNC Bars Fla. Delegates from '08 Convention

Hoping to make an example of Florida in the escalating competition for ever-earlier primary dates, the DNC voted yesterday to strip the state of its delegates to next year's nominating convention, the Washington Post reports. Florida can regain its delegates if it reschedules its primary, currently set for January 29, within 30 days.

Florida Democrats are urging candidates to campaign in the state anyway. "Whether you get a delegate or don't get a delegate, a vote is a vote," said the state party chair. Florida can still hold a ceremonial caucus to vote on a preferred candidate, though it would be "essentially a beauty contest," one DNC co-chair said. (More Democratic National Convention stories.)