Here’s more, from today’s Miami Herald, on how the Democratic candidates’ pledge not to campaign in Florida is apparently interpreted, at least by the Clinton campaign:
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston will host an 11:30 a.m. rally at the Century Village retirement community in Pembroke Pines for Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton. The candidate won’t be there, of course, in keeping with her pledge not to campaign in Florida because its early primary breaks national party rules.
But under the pledge’s fundraising loophole, Clinton will attend two private events tomorrow in Miami Beach: a $500-per-person gig at Lucky Strike Lanes and a $2,300-per-person reception at developer MIchael Adler’s home.
The candidates pledged not to “campaign or participate” in any primary or caucus prior to Feb. 5th. The fund-raising exception makes some sense, and I don’t know the extent to which Obama and Edwards have held fundraisers in “off-limits” states. (Late Update: Obama popped in for a speech at a Sarasota fundraiser. Thanks to TPM Reader PA for the link.) Of course, Obama’s national cable TV ad buy reaches into Florida, although that’s arguably by default rather than design (yes, arguably). Put it all together though and it’s clear that the DNC must define “participate” pretty narrowly.
