Reply #47: Then perhaps you can answer

[DemGa]

How can someone be a candidate if their name is not on the ballot?

"The candidates are allowed to visit Michigan to raise money and can send their spouses to campaign, but they can't run advertisements, hold rallies or do most of the other things that would help give them a leg up on their opponents."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/11/AR2007101100859.html

Here are the DNC rules. There is nothing to suggest removal of the name from the ballot - only rules against campaigning and participation. And since there is not any expectation of removal of a candidate's name from the ballot in order to be in compliance, it seems clear Obama took part in nothing more than a political calculation.

b. A presidential candidate who campaigns in a state where the state party is in violation of the timing provisions of these rules, or where a primary or caucus is set by a state’s government on a date that violates the timing provisions of these rules, may not receive pledged delegates or delegate votes from that state. Candidates may, however, campaign in such a state after the primary or caucus that violates these rules. “Campaigning” for purposes of this section includes, but is not limited to, purchasing print, internet, or electronic advertising that reaches a significant percentage of the voters in the aforementioned state; hiring campaign workers; opening an office; making public appearances; holding news conferences; coordinating volunteer activities; sending mail, other than fundraising requests that are also sent to potential donors in other states; using paid or volunteer phoners or automated calls to contact voters; sending emails or establishing a website specific to that state; holding events to which Democratic voters are invited; attending events sponsored by state or local Democratic organizations; or paying for campaign materials to be used in such a state. The Rules and Bylaws Committee will determine whether candidate activities are covered by this section.

http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2008/chrnothp08/sanctions.html

As for "partake of the spoils of the state." There may be sanctions yes, but where is it shown that the delegates and therefore the votes are forever made invalid?