On December 21, the 5th circuit expedited the lawsuit Mississippi State Democratic Party v Barbour, 07-60667. The 5th circuit also stayed the U.S. District order, so while the case is pending, Mississippi Democratic primaries will remain open to all registered voters. The U.S. District Court had let the Democratic Party close its primaries. Thanks to Steve Rankin for this news.
The U. S. district court had said that Mississippi could not conduct primaries under the present system after August 31, 2008. That court had also ordered the state to enact voter ID and party registration.
The 5th Circuit’s stay takes the pressure off of the 2008 session of the legislature, which meets in January, to act on these matters.
If the Democrats do manage to close their primary, that would benefit Clinton, the machine insider, and hurt the other candidates.
Is there anything to show that the suit might be going forward with that intent?
The 5th Circuit’s stay of the district court’s ruling means that Mississippi will have open primaries at least through our spring 2009 municipal primaries.
Our 2008 presidential and congressional primaries will be on March 11.
The Democrats brought the suit in order to be able to block Republicans from Democratic primaries. The Democrats say that, once the dust has settled, they will continue to invite independents into Dem primaries. The Republican Party says it will keep its primaries open to ALL voters.
seems the democrats in mississippi are just as dumb as the rest of the democrats.. Steve how is the republican race in ms? also has Barbour made the senate appointment?
Yes, some in the Mississippi Democratic leadership seem more interested in ideological purity than in winning elections.
Sen. Cochran and Rep. Wicker are backing Fred Thompson, while ex-Sen. Lott and Rep. Pickering have endorsed McCain (UGH). I look for the major party presidential nominations to be decided before our March 11 primaries, so it really doesn’t matter.
There’s lots of conjecture, but Gov. Barbour has not yet announced his choice for the Senate seat.* Don’t be surprised if a lawsuit is brought vis-a-vis the date for the special Senate election.
* My guess is that it’ll be Chip Pickering, if he wants it.
thanks for the info steve hope you have a nice christmas.