Levin On Michigan Do-Over: Ain't Happening

Sen. Carl Levin said on Friday that he did not view a "do-over" of the Michigan primary as a practical way of getting the state's delegates seated at the convention.

"Michigan Democrats have for years argued against the unfair and irrational system in which New Hampshire and Iowa almost always have a hugely disproportionate impact on our presidential nominating process," a statement from his office read. A DNC commission reviewed the system and recommended a new sequence for 2008 in which New Hampshire would hold the third nomination contest. It was only after New Hampshire indicated its intention to violate the new sequence -- and the DNC's failure to enforce its own rules in light of New Hampshire's violation of those rules -- that Michigan decided it would move up its primary to January 15. The DNC subsequently voted to strip Michigan of its convention delegates."

Levin's office expanded on the statement, saying that the senator thought there were too many "financial and logistical hurdles" for holding another primary vote. "In any event believes that a change in course would require acceptance by both candidates."

Levin's statement comes after word leaked on Thursday that Michigan could be holding a re-do caucus election. The state, along with Florida, was stripped of its delegates for moving up their primaries in the electoral calendar. Sen. Bill Nelson, who hails from the Sunshine State, has said that he is in favor of a do-over primary in Florida.

Levin's office said it was attempting to rsolve the Michigan delegate dispute in collaboration with over Democratic officials and the two presidential campaigns. If nothing was resolved, the matter would be turned over to the Democratic Convention Credentials Committee.