GOP Punishes Leapfrog States

GOP Punishes Leapfrog States

It was just a formality, but now it's official: The Republican National Committee has taken away half the delegates from five calendar-leapfrogging states.

The RNC voted 121-9 Thursday to punish New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan and Wyoming for holding binding, delegate-choosing contests before Feb. 5. Iowa's Jan. 3 caucuses are not affected because the presidential straw vote results are not binding on delegate selection. Nevada, with a similar system, was also spared.

New Hampshire hasn't set its date yet, but most bets are on Jan. 8. The Wyoming GOP has a Jan. 5 caucus. Michigan has scheduled a Jan. 15 primary, but that's up in the air pending the outcome of a lawsuit. The South Carolina GOP votes Jan. 19, and Floria goes to the polls Jan. 29.

The Republican punishment is less severe than Democratic Party sanctions -- the Democrats have stripped Florida of all its delegates. Florida Democrats are mocking the penalty and many say they expect the eventual nominee to seat the delegation. The Tampa Tribune reported in late September that Barack Obama has already as much as promised the delegates will be seated.