DNC lays down the law

Posted by John D. McCormick at 11:37 am CDT

Meeting in Chicago this morning, members of the Democratic National Committee passed a new rule that will punish presidential candidates and states who violate the DNC nominating calendar by campaigning in states out of order.

The new rule would take away the candidate's delegates at the party's summer nominating convention, although that punishment could be overruled by a credential committee before the convention.

"This is a rule change that I think will help guide the candidates," said Donna Brazile, a former Al Gore campaign manager and member of the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee.

The Democrats are gathered in Chicago to discuss political strategy and plan the 2008 nominating calendar.

The party started Thursday evening with an event in Millennium Park sponsored by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Big Apple is trying to convince the DNC to hold the Democratic national convention there in 2008.

In making his pitch, Bloomberg, a former Democrat, even tossed in an endorsement for Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich over his Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka.

In turn, Blago reportedly through his support behind NYC, which is campaigning against finalists Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The Twin Cities will offer up the party favors tonight, followed by a bacon and eggs event hosted by Denver Saturday morning.

The DNC is expected to make a decision on the convention location before the year is out.