August 27, 2008 - 16:55

DNC Rules Committee Chair says Party has unified, applauds Clinton speech

DENVER -- The Democratic National Rules Committee hearings that decided the distribution of delegates from Michigan and Florida between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were the height of a contentious primary season, but the chairman of those hearings is talking about party unity at the Democratic National Convention.

James Roosevelt Jr. lauded Clinton's Tuesday night speech Wednesday and said that delegates will have her in mind when they vote Wednesday.

Roosevelt, who is also a Massachusetts superdelegate, told PolitickerMA.com that he was very impressed by Clinton's speech.

"I think she gave a fantastic speech," he said, "but moreover, she described what Democrats stand for and how Barack Obama represents that."

Hundreds of Clinton supporters protested the Rules Committee hearings at the beginning of June in Washington, D.C., which split delegates between both candidates after the states moved their primaries earlier than DNC rules allows. In particular, Clinton backers protested the awarding of Michigan delegates to Obama, whose name did not appear that state's primary ballot.

Roosevelt said that tension has since dissipated and the party has become unified. In particular, he said, Clinton's speech left a lasting impression on the delegation.

"Whether they vote for her because they were elected to vote for her, or whether they vote for him because they were elected to vote for him, or because they switched over to him," Roosevelt said, "they will be voting with what she said last night in mind."

Jeremy P. Jacobs is a PolitickerMA.com Reporter and can be reached via email at noreply@politicker.com.

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Stainless Steel Wood


09/03/09 9:47 am

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