The DNC advised presidential hopefuls to skip the state convention if the poll takes place.
TALLAHASSEE -- The Democratic National Committee, trying to avert a contentious "straw-poll" for presidential candidates at Florida's party convention, is calling on candidates to boycott the winter assembly if the party polls attendees.
But a popularity contest for the presidential candidates may be inevitable at the December convention in Orlando, state party chairman Scott Maddox says. And if the state party holds a straw poll, Maddox says, candidates are sure to come.
The state party's central committee will decide next month.
"I don't think I could stop a straw poll if I wanted to," Maddox said. "There is a frustration among a lot of Democrats that all the attention goes to early primary states, but they believe Florida will be a pivotal state in the election and they want to be involved."
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