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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Newschannel 3) - It’s a question that’s been in the minds of Michigan Democrats ever since the state’s primary was pushed up in January: Will our voices be heard at the Democratic National Convention?
This Saturday, it may be decided if the votes from Michigan and Florida will count at the convention. There’s wide belief right now that half the delegation will be restored at that point, but that’s not the solution most Democrats want.
Leaders in the Michigan Democratic Party tell Newschannel 3 that even if the rules committee doesn’t restore the entire delegation of Democrats, they’re confident a plan will eventually be accepted that would restore the entire delegation, giving the state full political power.
That would presumably happen if and when Sen. Obama becomes the nominee, as late as 60 days before the convention.
There are still a lot of big questions though, as lawyers for the Democratic National Committee are recommending that Michigan lose half of it’s delegation for breaking party rules.
“The attorneys don’t speak for the state of Michigan,” said Rep. Mike Sak, (D) Grand Rapids. “The full delegation will be seated and the voices that the citizens of Michigan have and the issues our citizens have will be heard, or they’re will definitely be consequences in the aftermath.”
State Democrats will present their plan this weekend, which is essentially a split of the delegates, 69 to 59 in favor of Clinton.
“We kind of split the difference between the delegate count, and we think it’s fair,” said Rep. Robert Jones, (D) Kalamazoo.
In the meantime, Republicans are hoping to take advantage of the long democratic primary, by building support for Sen. John McCain.
“Without question, there’s been the turmoil over this delegate situation,” said Rep. Rick Shaffer, (R) Three Rivers. “From my perspective, we in the Republican party need to step back and let the Democrats work through that delicate issue.”

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