In a gesture of protest against Michigan’s decision to hold its presidential primary before Feb. 5, a move that violates Democratic National Committee rules, Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden and Bill Richardson have pulled out of the state’s Jan. 15 primary.

The New York Times:

Other Democratic candidates had until the end of the day to decide if they’ll stay on the ballot.

Party rules say states cannot hold their 2008 primary contests before Feb. 5, except for Iowa on Jan. 14, Nevada on Jan. 19, New Hampshire on Jan. 22 and South Carolina on Jan. 29.

The calendar was designed to preserve the traditional role that Iowa and New Hampshire have played in selecting the nominee, while adding two states with more racial and geographic diversity to influential early slots.

As punishment, the DNC has vowed to strip Michigan and Florida, which scheduled its contest on Jan. 29, of their delegates.

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In this Article:
#barack obama#bill richardson#dnc#joe biden#john edwards#michigan#president#primary