Razzmatazz
RBC member Sharon Stroschein (SD) noted that she's probably the only member of the panel whose state has yet to vote. But Stroschein said SD has seen all the primary-process "razzmatazz" -- the candidate visits and more -- that the early states experienced.
"If you had it to do over again," she asked former MI Gov. Jim Blanchard, a Hillary Clinton supporter, "would we be going through this?"
In other words, was messing with the calendar worth the fuss?
"As far as Michigan going early, I tend to agree with Carl Levin," Blanchard said, referencing remarks Levin made earlier in the proceedings..
(JS)
It'd be nice if you told us what Carl Levin said.
Two things:
1) this is the first time since 1992, that anyone gave a flip about the South Dakota primary. Further, its the first time since 1984 that anyone's even marginally cared about a June primary date. It's not as if this was forseeable back in 2006 & 2007.
2) Sharon Stroschein is not only a congressional staffer (State Director for Senator Tim Johnson), but she's also an Obama endorser.
Levin made 3 points:
1) Seat them all with full voting rights.
2) Give Clinton 73 votes.
3) Give Clinton 69 votes (which ultimately won).
Not sure which one Tim Johnson's aide was supporting.