Ausman Speaks For FL

WASHINGTON -- As Jon Ausman, a FL DNC committeeman, began his remarks a few moments ago, he noted that Sen. Bill Nelson and his wife, Grace, are in attendance, as are former Sen. Bob Graham and his wife, Adele.

"I want this to be a healing process that unifies us that brings us together. ... that results in collegial bargaining," Ausman said. Ultimately, he said, he wants all Democrats to wear "blue jerseys" in November.

Ausman said FL officials are asking that 185 pledged delegates are subject to the 50% rule. He said the party is not asking for the full delegation to be seated.

"We recognize, in fact, that Florida has violated that timing rule," he said, acknowledging that FL moved its primary ahead of the party's Feb 5 restriction. The party's punishment, he added, is therefore "appropriate."

(JENNIFER SKALKA)