Democratic battle coming to Scotland (+200 delegates & 22 rep's)

[hedgetrimmer]

~SNIP~

FRASER NELSON
POLITICAL EDITOR


Key points
• Democrats Abroad nominate Edinburgh for overseas hustings
• Edinburgh Chosen ahead of Toronto and Amsterdam
• Democrats Abroad represents 5m expatriate Americans

Key quote: "Expatriate Americans are seen by the Democrat National Committee as the 51st state, so we have voting power in the convention." Sharon Manitta, organising officer of Democrats Abroad.

Story in full: THE battle for the United States Democratic Party’s presidential nomination will come to Scotland next month as expatriate Americans from across the world hold an "international caucus" in Edinburgh.

More than 200 delegates from as far afield as Armenia, Japan and the Philippines will converge on the capital next month to choose 22 representatives to attend the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

The candidates - John Kerry, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark and John Edwards - will send either videos or personal envoys to the event. Those present have been given the voting power of a small state on behalf of the five million expatriate Americans with the right to vote.

The event is being held in Scotland after a poll of Democrats Abroad, an expat organisation, rejected Toronto and Amsterdam from the shortlist, arguing that Edinburgh’s international allure outweighs the lack of direct flights.

... more ...

link: http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=164942004

[Paschall]

1. Amazing

I've never seen so much coverage of overseas Democrats before. Including the piece that appeared on DU's front page, this is the fourth article on Democrats Abroad I've seen since last weekend's caucus.

[sweetheart]

2. Turnout at London and Paris was the largest ever

I was at the london caucus 2 days ago which was the largest ever in history... those who live abroad are even MORE aware that the scourge must be deposed. It is our lives who he puts at risk by filling the world with anti-american hatred.

I'm happy they've chosen my home for this global caucus. Edinburgh is an excellent place for which to launch against the bushaviks. I might even drive down and have a drink with the attendees.