STAFF EDITORIAL

So the presidential game is still on.

This week, we had the primary on the bayou, in Mississippi, and before that, in Cheney’s country, Wyoming.

Still, the democratic race to the nomination is close — there is no clear victor yet. Trips to Pennsylvania, Indiana, and New Mexico, among others, are still planned.

So some states are still awaiting the campaigns of presidential hopefuls. A few states, however, were not big destinations for the two candidates, one of which is Michigan.

Not two months ago, we had a major fiasco regarding our state’s primary.

The waters have still not settled.

Both Barack and Hillary are hoping for the 2,025 delegates needed for the nod at the Democratic Convention in Denver this August.

But, no one is ready to nod.

It’s still neck and neck — Barack has a little over 100 more delegates than his opponent.

And in the realm of superdelegates, Hillary is currently in the lead. Many still have not affiliated with either candidate, such as ex-presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich.

Nonetheless, the future may pose an important question — what if the total number of delegates for both does not reach 2,025? What should be done?

We could take the democratic route and offer the candidate with the majority number of delegates the honor of running for president.

The candidate with fewer delegates may even concede.

We could also turn the count over to the Superdelagates.

Or we could offer Michigan and Florida an actual say in the matter. Our representation was damaged due to the actions resulting from party politics.

Why can’t we provide our voice to impact the race?

The last primary will take place in Puerto Rico, a Commonwealth.

A better option is to offer two major states a fair chance.

Estimates point to a figure of $10 million required to have another primary in Michigan, and much more in Florida. But can a cost be put on democracy? In such a close race, every voice needs to be heard in an attempt to ensure the best representation of voters.

The hefty sum can come from a variety of sources. Possibilities include our state, the Democratic Party or the candidate’s campaigns themselves.

The party and candidates, for their best interest, should offer to foot the bill. Rather than spend money on ads and smearing, the dough should be designated to ensure democracy.

Michigan and Florida are major players, and can offer some apparently much-needed delegates.

The state economy is in no position to purchase anything with this price tag. Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, prefers the party money be used toward winning the general election in November.

However, both candidates are now using plenty of money in the short term just to gain the party nomination. Over $ 100 million has been spent on Hillary’s campaign, for many things not nearly as important as ensuring democracy.

If there is any further confusion in the candidate selection process, the hopefuls should turn to Michigan.

Democrat or Republican, we here in Michigan can then get the democracy we deserve.