Update: Oops, looks like I type too slow - none other than the Bob Alexander mentioned in the story scooped me.
Update #2: Forgot to mention, CNN had this AP article as front-page news on the politics section of their website. MSNBC now does as well. I'm no fan of the MSM, but this would indicate to me a pattern; perhaps we'll see some coverage by the talking heads later today?
There may be a possible chink in Hillary Clinton's expected landslide victory in Michigan's otherwise irrelevant Jan. 15th primary. Although she's the only candidate currently polling nationally in double-digits who will actually be listed on the ballot, Obama and Edwards (and Richardson and Biden) supporters now appear to have another option. As a CNN/AP story reports ("Clinton faces unusual opponent in Michigan"), Michigan votes will have the option to vote for "Uncommitted." If enough people vote this way, these "Uncommitted" delegates could later go to another candidate. Even possibly Al Gore, Democratic activist Bob Alexander hopes.
Just yesterday I was speaking with my wife about the upcoming primary here. We just moved to Novi and have yet to receive new voters registration cards. I told her that I wasn't too concerned--I wasn't even sure if I was going to vote in January. With Al Gore now officially 99.9999% not running, I have still yet to align myself with a primary candidate. I'm leaning towards unexpected (to me) longshot Chris Dodd--who, ironically enough, is going to be on the ballot--but I suppose I would still label myself as "Uncommitted."
If Obama and Edwards supporters in MI (estimated at 33-36% combined) join together to vote this way, even without the true "Uncommitted" voters, they'd have more than double the necessary percentage of votes needed to prevent the a Clinton sweep. Especially if Clinton supporters, assuming a landslide victory, don't turn out in very high numbers.
(Here, my lack of knowledge of state conventions and delegate selection shows; if someone wanted to enlighten me, I'd be all for it.)
I suspect the turnout for the Michigan primary will be fairly low, especially on the Democratic side. I admit, I haven't done any research on what else, if anything, will be on the ballot (I'm not even 100% sure it will be a ballot with both parties listed), but if I were a Republican--shudder at the thought--I'd press my leadership to get some conservative proposals on the ballot and hope for an overwhelming ratio of GOP-to-Dem voters. Is this "Uncommitted" strategy a good way for Obama and Edwards voters to secure at least a "moral" victory, or will it at least encourage Dem voter turnout, or both?