Enter name of state for heading (STATE)

Enter name of state: Indiana

Enter total number of Delegates: 85

Enter total number of Alternates: 12

Select type of System:

Enter number of District-Level Delegates: 47

Date of selection of District-Level Delegates: 6/21/08

Enter number of District-Level Alternates: 7

Date of selection of District-Level Alternates: 6/21/08

Enter number of Un-Pledged Add-On Delegates: 1

Date of Selection of Un-Pledged Add-On

Delegates: 6/21/08

Enter number of Pledged PLEO Delegates: 9

Date of Selection of Pledged PLEO Delegates:

6/21/08

Enter number of At-Large Delegates: 16

Date of Selection of At-Large Delegates: 6/21/08

Enter number of At-Large Alternates: 5

Date of Selection of At-Large Alternates: 6/21/08

Enter number of Standing Committee Members: 9

Enter number of Convention Pages: 2

The Indiana Delegate Selection Plan

For the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Table of Contents

I. Introduction & Description of Delegate Selection Process......................................................................................

A. Introduction..........................................................................................................................................

B. Description of Delegate Selection Process................................................................................................

II. Presidential Candidates.......................................................................................................................................

III. Selection of Delegates and Alternates...................................................................................................................

A. Selection of Delegates and Alternates.......................................................................................................

B. Unpledged Delegates..............................................................................................................................

C. Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates......................................................................

D. At-Large Delegates and Alternates...........................................................................................................

E. Replacement of Delegates and Alternates..................................................................................................

IV. Convention Standing Committee Members...........................................................................................................

A. Introduction..........................................................................................................................................

B. Temporary Standing Committee Members................................................................................................

C. Permanent Standing Committee Members................................................................................................

V. The Delegation..................................................................................................................................................

VI. General Provisions and Procedural Guarantees......................................................................................................

VII. Affirmative Action and Outreach Plan..................................................................................................................

A. Statement of Purpose and Organization....................................................................................................

B. Efforts to Educate on the Delegate Selection Process................................................................................

C. Efforts to Publicize the Delegate Selection Process....................................................................................

D. Representation Goals.............................................................................................................................

E. Obligations of Presidential Candidates to Maximize Participation.................................................................

F. Inclusion Programs...............................................................................................................................

VIII. Challenges........................................................................................................................................................

A. Jurisdiction and Standing........................................................................................................................

B. Challenges to the Status of the State Party and Challenges to the Plan..........................................................

C. Challenges to Implementation..................................................................................................................

IX. Summary of Plan..............................................................................................................................................

A. Selection of Delegates and Alternates.......................................................................................................

B. Selection of Standing Committee Members...............................................................................................

C. Selection of Delegation Chair and Convention Pages..................................................................................

D. Presidential Candidate Filing Deadline.......................................................................................................

E. Timetable.............................................................................................................................................

Exhibits to the Affirmative Action Plan.............................................................................................................................

Attachments to the Delegate Selection Plan.......................................................................................................................

Section I

Introduction & Description of Delegate Selection Process

A. Introduction

1. Indiana has a total of 85 delegates and 12 alternates. (Call, I. & Appendix B.)

2. The delegate selection process is governed by the Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (“Rules”), the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (“Call”), the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (“Regs.”), the rules of the Democratic Party of Indiana, the Indiana election code, and this Delegate Selection Plan. (Call, II.A.)

3. Following the adoption of this Delegate Selection Plan by the State Party Committee, it shall be submitted for review and approval by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee (“RBC”). The State Party Chair shall be empowered to make any technical revisions to this document as required by the RBC to correct any omissions and/or deficiencies as found by the RBC to ensure its full compliance with Party Rules. Such corrections shall be made by the State Party Chair and the Plan resubmitted to the RBC within 30 days of receipt of notice of the RBC’s findings. (Regs. 2.5, 2.6 & 2.7)

4. Once this Plan has been found in Compliance by the RBC, any amendment to the Plan by the State Party will be submitted to and approved by the RBC before it becomes effective. (Reg. 2.9)

B. Description of Delegate Selection Process

1. Indiana will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Primary for apportioning delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

2. The “first determining step” of Indiana’s delegate selection process will occur of date, with a Primary on May 6, 2008.

3. Voter Participation in Process

a. Participation in Indiana’s delegate selection process is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats. Democratic Party affiliation is determined by the primary voting record for each person, but will not restrict newly registered voters from participating if they show faithful interest in the welfare and success of the Indiana Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of the United States. All persons wanting to vote in Indiana’s Primary Election must register to vote by April 7, 2008. These persons will subscribe to the substance, intent and principles of the Charter of the Bylaws of the Democratic National Convention in good faith. (Rules 2.A. & 2.C. & Reg. 4.3.)

b. At no stage of Indiana’s delegate selection process shall any person be required, directly or indirectly, to pay a cost or fee as a condition for participating. Voluntary contributions to the Party may be made, but under no circumstances shall a contribution be mandatory for participation. (Rule 2.D. & Reg. 4.4.)

c. No persons shall participate or vote in the nominating process for the Democratic presidential candidate who also participates in the nominating process of any other party for the corresponding elections. (Rule 2.E.)

d. No person shall vote in more than one meeting which is the first meeting in the delegate selection process. (Rule 3.E. & Reg. 4.6.)

4. State is participating in the state government-run presidential preference primary that will utilize government-run voting systems. The State Party has taken provable positive steps to:

a. Promote the acquisition of accessible precinct based optical scan systems, wherever possible. (Rule 2.H.(1))

b. Seek enactment of legislation, rules, and policies at the state and local level to ensure that direct recording electronic systems include a voter verified paper trail (Rule 2.H.(2))

c. Seek enactment of legislation, rules and policies at the state and local level to ensure that both optical scan and direct recording electronic systems include recognized security measures. These measures include automatic routine manual audits comparing paper records to electronic records following every election and prior to certification or results where possible; parallel testing on election day; physical and electronic security for equipment; banning use of wireless components and connections; public disclosure of software design; use of transparent and random selection for all auditing procedures; and effective procedures for addressing evidence of fraud or error. (Rule 2.H.(3))

d. These provable positive steps are attached.

Section II

Presidential Candidates

A. Ballot Access

A presidential candidate gains access to the Indiana presidential preference primary ballot, or is eligible to participate in the Indiana’s first-tier caucuses, by filing a written request with the Indiana Secretary of state (Room 201, State House, Indianapolis, IN 46204) between January 23 and 12:00 p.m. February 22, 2008. Accompanying this request must be a petition signed by at least four thousand five hundred (4,500) voters, including at least five hundred (500 voters from each of Indiana’s nine (9) congressional districts. Each petition must include:

· Signature of petitioner;

· Legibly printed name of each petitioner;

· Residence address of each petitioner.

The petition must request the presidential candidate’s name be placed on the ballot of the May 6, 2008 Primary Election.

Furthermore, in order for the Secretary of State to consider a petition valid, the circuit court clerk or board of voter registration must certify each petitioner as a voter of the county. The certification must accompany and be part of the petition. If a county is part of more than one congressional district, the certificate must indicate the number of petitioners from that county who reside in each congressional district. The time period for certification in each county is between January 1, 2008 and noon, February 12, 2008.

The Indiana Primary Election is “closed” in that a voter must ask for a ballot by party designation. After this is recorded, the voter must sign his or her name, thus registering party preference and recording it for future reference. Access to the Primary ballot for a presidential candidate is governed by Indiana Code 3-8-3.

No provision is provided under Indiana state law for primary voters to express an uncommitted preference on the ballot. (Rules 11.B., 14.A., 14.B., 14.D., 14.E., & 14.H.)

B. Each presidential candidate shall certify in writing to the State Democratic Chair, the name(s) of his or her authorized representative(s) by December 1, 2007. (Rule 12.D.(1))

C. Each presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) shall use his or her best efforts to ensure that his or her respective delegation within the state delegation achieves the affirmative action goals established by this Plan and is equally divided between men and women. (Rule 6.I.)

Section III

Selection of Delegates and Alternates

A. District-Level Delegates and Alternates

1. Indiana is allocated 47 district-level delegates and 7 district-level alternates. (Rule 8.C., Call, I.B. & I.I.)

2. District-level delegate positions will be allocated to presidential preferences through a proportional representation system based on a primary, with the first determining step on May 6, 2008.

3. District-level delegates and alternates shall be elected by a Presidential preference primary followed by a post-primary caucus. The May 6, 2008 Indiana Primary Election will determine the number of delegates allotted to a presidential candidate at all levels of the Indiana Democratic Party Delegate selection process (except the Democratic National Committee Members and Members of Congress in their respective unpledged categories.)

4. Apportionment of District-Level Delegates and Alternates

Indiana’s district-level delegates and alternates are apportioned among the districts based on a formula giving equal weight to the vote for the Democratic candidates in the 2004 presidential and the 2004 gubernatorial elections. (Rule 8.A.; Regs. 4.11., 4.12. & Appendix A)

The state’s total number of district-level delegates will be equally divided between men and women. (Rule 6.C.(1) & Reg. 4.8.)

The district-level delegates and alternates are apportioned to districts as indicated in the following chart:

District	Delegates	Alternates
#1	3	3	6	0	1	1
#2	3	3	6	1	0	1
#3	2	2	4	0	0	0
#4	2	2	4	0	0	0
#5	2	2	4	0	1	1
#6	2	3	5	1	0	1
#7	3	3	6	0	1	1
#8	3	3	6	1	0	1
#9	3	3	6	1	0	1
Total	23	24	47	4	3	7

District

Delegates

Alternates

Males

Females

Total

Males

Females

Total

Total

The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than June 11, 2008, a list of all persons who have filed for delegate or alternate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rules 12.D. & 12.F.)

Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must then file with the State Democratic Chair by 5:00 PM, June 12, 2008, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved, provided that approval be given to at least three (3) times the number of candidates for delegate men and three (3) times the number of candidates for delegate women, and three (3) times the number of candidates for alternate men and three (3) times the number of alternate women to be selected. (Rule 12.E.(1), Reg. 4.23.)

Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate and alternate candidates submitted to the presidential candidate unless the presidential candidate, or the authorized representative(s), signifies otherwise in writing to the State Democratic Chair not later than 5:00 PM, June 12, 2008.

National convention delegate and alternate candidates removed from the list of bona fide supporters by a presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), may not be elected as a delegate or alternate at that level pledged to that presidential candidate (including uncommitted status). (Rule 12.E. & Reg. 4.23.)

The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective district-level delegate candidates and district-level alternate candidates meet the affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of returning the list of approved district-level delegate candidates and district-level alternate candidates as indicated in section III.A.5.b of this Plan.

7. Fair Reflection of Presidential Preference

Presidential Primary - Proportional Representation Plan (Rules 13.A., 13.B. & 13.D.)

a. The Indiana presidential primary election is a “binding” primary. Accordingly, delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated so as to fairly reflect the expressed presidential (or uncommitted) preference of the primary voters in each district. The National Convention delegates and alternates selected at the district level shall be allocated in proportion to the percentage of the primary vote won in that district by each preference, except that preferences falling below a 15% threshold shall not be awarded any delegates or alternates.

b. Within a district, if no presidential preference reaches a 15% threshold, the threshold shall be the percentage of the vote received in that district by the front-runner minus 10%. (Rule 13.F.)

c. Delegates to the Indiana Democratic State Convention, June 21, 2008, will gather in district caucuses at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott, 301 West Maryland Street. No person can participate in more than one delegate selection process. State delegates will declare their presidential preference at the congressional district caucus meeting by signing a statement of support for a presidential candidate. The state convention delegates will be given the appropriate ballot for the selection of national delegates and alternates representing that presidential candidate from that specific district. All candidates for district-level delegate and alternates will be allowed to attend the congressional district caucuses.

To participate in the district caucuses and cast a ballot for national convention delegates and alternates, the participant must have been elected as a state convention delegate at the May 6, 2008 Primary or appointed to fill a vacancy by the county chair in the county in which the state delegate resides. Filing for state convention begins January 23, 2008 in each county and closes on February 22, 2008. A person becomes a candidate for state convention delegate by completing the appropriate form with clerk of the circuit court in their county of residence during this time period. Indiana state law requires a candidate for delegate to the Democratic State Convention to be a registered voter and have voted as a Democrat in the most recent primary election in which the candidate has participated. This provision does not disqualify candidates who have not previously voted in a primary election, but it attempts to ensure that the state delegate candidates are Democrats.

According to the Indiana Democratic Party rules and guidelines established by Indiana state law, the delegates to the Indiana Democratic State Convention shall be chosen from each county and apportioned by a vote of the Indiana Democratic State Central Committee. The apportionment of delegates is from the following formula: the average of the democratic vote for Governor in 2004 and the democratic vote for Secretary of State in 2006 divided by 800. The State Chair must declare the number of delegates per county to the Election Division of the Secretary of State by noon on November 30, 2007. A county’s delegation is further distributed between congressional districts when applicable for the purposes of congressional district caucuses.

The Indiana State Party Chair will provide a “Call to the State Convention” to the press and party officials no later than January 1, 2008, to all circuit court clerks to be distributed to all candidates for state convention delegates, and to persons elected as state convention delegates after their election on May 6, 2008. The Call will include a special section of the delegate selection process with the following:

1) Announcement of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

2) Number of delegates and alternates to be elected.

3) Apportionment of delegates.

4) Candidacy filing procedures.

5) Presidential preference of delegates and alternates.

6) Time and location of meetings.

7) Results. (Official results of the district elections will be announced at the state convention).

8) Alternates and vacancies. (All elected delegates to the State Convention who cannot attend the convention must notify in writing their intentions to be absent to the county chair in which they reside. The county chair will then certify and authorize the elected alternates).

9) Certification of state convention delegates.

10) Tie votes. (All tie votes for National Convention Delegate shall be resolved by a coin toss).

One hour following the adjournment of the 2008 Indiana Democratic State Convention on June 21, 2008, the 47 district-level delegates will meet at Indianapolis Downtown Marriott (room to be posted and announced at the Convention) for the purpose of selecting the remainder of the delegation. The first category to be addressed will be add-on unpledged delegates.

8. Equal Division of District-Level Delegates and Alternates

a. In order to ensure the district-level delegates are equally divided between men and women, delegate positions within each district will be designated by presidential preference beginning with the highest vote-getting presidential preference. This assignment of delegate positions, alternating by sex as mathematically practicable, will continue with the next highest vote-getting preferences in descending order until the gender of each position has been assigned. (Rule 6.C.(1) & Reg. 4.8.)

Indiana has forty-seven (47) district-level delegates that will be filled by twenty-three (23) men and twenty-four (24) women. Delegate positions will be designated by the gender of the first position to be filled by the winning presidential candidate. The remaining delegate positions will be filled alternating by gender to the presidential preference(s) in the order of the vote won.

b. After the delegates are selected, the alternates will be awarded, using the same process described above.

9. The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) the election of the state’s district-level delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention within three (3) days after their election. (Rule 8.C. & Call, IV.A.)

B. Unpledged Delegates

1. Unpledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials

a. The following categories (if applicable) shall constitute the Unpledged Party Leaders and Elected Official delegate positions:

(1) Members of the Democratic National Committee who legally reside in the state; (Rule 9.A.(1), Call, I.F., J., K., & Reg. 4.13.)

(2) All of Indiana’s Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate; (Rule 9.A.(3), Call I.G. & K.)

(3) The Democratic Governor (if applicable); (Rule 9.A.(4), Call I.G. & K.)

(4) “Distinguished Party Leader” delegates who legally reside in the state (if applicable); (Rule 9.A.(5), Call I.K., and Reg. 4.13.)

b. The certification process for the Unpledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates is as follows:

(1) Not later than March 1, 2008, the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee shall officially confirm to the State Democratic Chair the names of the unpledged delegates who legally reside in Indiana. (Rule 9.A.)

(2) Official confirmation by the Secretary shall constitute verification of the unpledged delegates from the categories indicated above. (Call, IV.B.1.)

2. Unpledged Add-On Delegates

a. Indiana will select 1 unpledged add-on delegate. (Rule 9.B., Call, I.I. & Reg. 5.1.)

b. The procedures to be used in selecting the 1 unpledged add-on delegate will be as follows:

(1) Selection of the unpledged add-on delegate will occur at the National Convention district-level delegate meeting on June 21, 2008 at the Indiana Democratic State Convention being held at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott. Selection of the unpledged add-on delegate is after the election of district delegates and alternates and prior to the selection of the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates, also on June 21, 2008. (Rule 9.B.(1))

(2) This delegate will be selected by the district-level delegates, which is the same selecting body used to select the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official and At-Large delegates and alternates. (Rule 9.B.(1))

(3) The equal division and affirmative action provisions of Rule 10.A. apply to the selection of these unpledged add-on delegate. (Rule 9.B.(2))

(4) The individual shall be nominated for this position by the State Chair by noon on June 21, 2008. (Reg. 4.14.)

(5) Filing for the unpledged add-on delegate shall begin one (1) hour after the District Caucuses conclude.

(6) The list from which the selecting body chooses the unpledged add-on delegate shall contain at least one (1) for every unpledged add-on position to be filled. (Rule 9.B.(3))

(7) Unpledged add-on delegate candidates may be selected whether or not they previously filed a statement of candidacy for a delegate position or submitted a pledge of support for a presidential candidate. (Rule 9.B.(5) & Reg. 4.14.)

c. Unpledged add-on delegate, selected pursuant to Rule 9.B., shall be certified in writing by the State Democratic Chair to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the selection. (Call, IV.B.2.)

C. Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates

1. Indiana is allotted 9 pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates. (Call, I.D. & E.)

2. Pledged PLEO Delegate Filing Requirements

a. Individuals shall be eligible for the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegate positions according to the following priority: big city mayors and state-wide elected officials (to be given equal consideration); state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and party leaders. (Rule 9.C.(1) & Reg. 4.15.)

b. An individual can qualify as a candidate for a position as a pledged PLEO delegate by filing for a delegate position between May 23, 2008 and June 6, 2008 filing period with the Indiana Democratic Party headquarters located at One North Capitol, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. (Rules 9.C.(3), & 14.G., Reg. 4.16.)

c. If persons for pledged PLEO delegate positions have not already made known their presidential preference (or uncommitted status) as candidates for district-level or at-large delegate positions, their preference shall be ascertained through filing with the State Chair up until the time of the Delegation Caucus. (Rule 9.C.(3) & Reg. 4.16.)

3. Presidential Candidate Right of Review

a. The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than 5:00 PM, June 11, 2008, a list of all persons who have filed for a party and elected official delegate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rules 9.C.(3) & 12.D.)

b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must file with the State Democratic Chair, by 5:00 PM, June 12, 2008, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved, as long as approval is given to at least one (1) name for every position to which the presidential candidate is entitled. (Rule 12.E.(2) & Reg. 4.23.)

c. Persons waiting until the election of district-level delegates to submit a pledge of support for a presidential candidate must have previously filed for a delegate position during the May 23^th through June 6^th, 2008 filing period. A person may file a pledge of support with the State Chair until the time of the Delegation Caucus. The presidential candidate, or the candidate’s representative(s), will be given fifteen (15) minutes to file a written disapproval of delegate(s).

d. Presidential candidates, including (uncommitted status), in consultation with the Indiana Democratic Party, may remove any candidate for at-large and pledged party leader and elected official delegate or alternate position from the list of bona fide supporters as long as, at a minimum, one (1) name remains for every national convention delegate or alternate position to which the presidential candidate is entitled.

e. For purposes of procedure, district-level delegates will meet in separate caucuses according to presidential preferences to select the remainder of the delegation. At the conclusion of the caucuses, the caucus chairs will report their caucus’ delegate selections to the State Chair. These results will then be read by the State chair to the delegation as a whole for its approval in accordance with the predetermined allocation of presidential preference and target goals of the delegate selection plan. (Rule 8.C(3)).

f. Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate candidates submitted to the presidential candidate unless the presidential candidate or the authorized representative(s) signifies otherwise in writing to the State Democratic Chair not later than 5:00 PM, June 12, 2008.

g. The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective pledged PLEO delegate candidates meet the affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of returning the list of approved pledged PLEO candidates as indicated in section III.C.3.b of this Plan.

4. Selection of Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official Delegates

a. The pledged PLEO slots shall be allocated among presidential preferences on the same basis as the at-large delegates. (Rule 9.C.(2), 10.C., 13.E. & F.)

b. Selection of the pledged PLEO delegates will occur at 6:00 PM on 6/21/08 at Indianapolis Downtown Marriott, which is after the election of district-level delegates and alternates and the unpledged add-on delegates and prior to the selection of at-large delegates and alternates. (Rule 9.C.)

c. These delegates will be selected by a committee consisting of a quorum of the district-level delegates. (Rule 9.D.)

d. Alternates are not selected at the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official level. These alternates are combined with the at-large alternates and selected as one unit. (Reg. 4.30.)

5. The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee the election of the state’s pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates to the Democratic National Convention within three (3) days after their election. (Rule 8.D. & Call, IV.A.)

D. At-Large Delegates And Alternates

1. The state of Indiana is allotted 16 at-large delegates and 5 at-large alternates. (Rule 8.C., Call, I.B. & I.)

2. At-Large Delegate and Alternate Filing Requirements

a. Persons desiring to seek at-large delegate or alternate positions may file a statement of candidacy designating their presidential or uncommitted preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidates (including uncommitted status) with the State Party by noon, June 6, 2008. (Rules 12.B. & 14.G.; Regs. 4.22. & 4.27.)

b. The statement of candidacy for at-large delegates and for at-large alternates will be the same. After the at-large delegates are elected by the forty-seven (47) district-level delegates, those persons not chosen will then be considered candidates for at-large alternate positions unless they specify otherwise when filing. (Rule 18.A.)

3. Presidential Candidate Right of Review

a. The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than 5:00 PM, June 11, 2008, a list of all persons who have filed for delegate or alternate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rule 12.D.)(Reg. 4.22. & 4.27.)

b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must then file with the State Democratic Chair, by 5:00 PM, June 21, 2008, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved, provided that, at a minimum, one (1) name remains for every national convention delegate or alternate position to which the presidential candidate is entitled. (Rule 12.E.(2) & Reg. 4.23.)

c. Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate candidates submitted to the presidential candidate unless the presidential candidate or the authorized representative(s) signifies otherwise in writing to the State Democratic Chair not later than 5:00 PM, June 12, 2008.

d. The State Democratic Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective at-large delegate candidates and at-large alternate candidates meet the affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of returning the list of approved at-large delegate candidates and at-large alternate candidates as indicated in section III.D.3.b of this Plan.

4. Fair Reflection of Presidential Preference

a. At-large delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated among presidential preferences according to the state-wide primary vote. (Rule 10.C.)

b. Preferences which have not attained a 15% threshold on a state-wide basis shall not be entitled to any at-large delegates. (Rule 13.E.)

c. If no presidential preference reaches a 15% threshold, the threshold shall be the percentage of the statewide vote received by the front-runner, minus 10%. (Rule 13.F.)

d. If a presidential candidate is no longer a candidate at the time of selection of the at-large delegates, then those at-large slots that would have been allocated to the candidate will be proportionally divided among the remaining preferences entitled to an allocation. (Rule 10.C.)

e. If a given presidential preference is entitled to one or more delegate positions but would not otherwise be entitled to an alternate position, that preference shall be allotted one at-large alternate position. (Rule 18.B., Call, I.J. & Reg. 4.30.& 4.33.)

5. Selection of At-Large Delegates and Alternates

a. The selection of the at-large delegates and alternates will occur at Indianapolis Downtown Marriott, which is after all unpledged delegates and pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates have been selected. (Rule 8.D. & Call, III.)

(1) Any alternate who permanently replaces a delegate shall be certified in writing to the Secretary of the DNC by the State Democratic Chair. (Rule 18.D.2.)

(2) Permanent replacement of a delegate (as specified above) by an alternate and replacement of a vacant alternate position shall be certified in writing by the Indiana’s Democratic Chair to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the replacement is selected. (Call, IV.C.1.)

(3) Certification of permanent replacements will be accepted by the Secretary up to 48 hours before the first official session of the Convention is scheduled to convene. (Call, IV.C.1. & Reg. 4.32.)

(4) In the case where a pledged delegate is permanently replaced after 48 hours before the time the first session is scheduled to convene or, in the case where a pledged delegate is not on the floor of the Convention Hall at the time a roll call vote is taken, an alternate may be designated (as specified above) to cast the delegate’s vote. In such case, the Delegation Chair shall indicate the name of the alternate casting the respective delegate’s vote on the delegation tally sheet (Call, VIII.F.3.d., VIII.F.3.b. & Reg. 5.4.)

c. A vacant alternate position shall be filled by the delegation. The replacement shall be of the same presidential preference (or uncommitted status), of the same sex and, to the extent possible, from the same political subdivision as the alternate being replaced. (Rule 18.F.)

7. Unpledged delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to a replacement, except under the following circumstances: (Rule 18.E. & Reg. 4.33.)

a. Members of Congress and the Democratic Governor shall not be entitled to name a replacement. In the event of changes or vacancies in the state’s Congressional Delegation, following the official confirmation and prior to the commencement of the National Convention, the DNC Secretary shall recognize only such changes as have been officially recognized by the Democratic Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives or the Democratic Conference of the U.S. Senate. In the event of a change or vacancy in the state’s office of Governor, the DNC shall recognize only such changes as have been officially recognized by the Democratic Governors’ Association. (Call, IV.C.2.a.)

b. Members of the Democratic National Committee and unpledged add-on delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to a replacement, except in the case of death of such delegates. In the case where the state’s DNC membership changes following the DNC Secretary’s official confirmation, but prior to the commencement of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, acknowledgment by the Secretary of the new DNC member certification shall constitute verification of the corresponding change of unpledged delegates. (Call, IV.C.2.b.)

c. Unpledged distinguished Party Leader delegates allocated to the state pursuant to Rule 8.A.(5), shall not be entitled to name a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to name a replacement. (Call, IV.C.2.c.)

d. In no case may an alternate cast a vote for an unpledged delegate. (Call, VIII.F.3.d.)

Section IV

Convention Standing Committee Members

A. Introduction

1. Indiana has been allocated (3) member(s) on each of the three standing committees for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (Credentials, Platform and Rules), for a total of (9) members. (Call, VII.A. & Appendix D.)

2. Members of the Convention Standing Committees need not be delegates or alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (Call, VII.A.3.)

3. These members will be selected in accordance with the procedures indicated below. (Rule 1.G.)

B. Temporary Standing Committee Members

1. Temporary members for the Convention Standing Committees will be selected by the Indiana Democratic Party’s State Central Committee at a meeting in April, 2008. The meeting shall be open to the public and well publicized in accordance with the Affirmative Action program in this Plan. Members of Indiana Democratic Party’s State Central Committee shall receive timely notice of the meeting, in accordance with State Party rules. (Call VII.G.(2) and Reg. 5.8.)

2. Any Democrat may apply for a position as a temporary member of the standing committees. Persons wishing to be considered must submit an application with the Indiana Democratic Party, including the committee or committees for which they wish to be considered, no later than 5:00 PM, March 15, 2008.

3. A separate election shall be conducted for membership on each of the standing committees. The membership of the standing committees shall be as equally divided as possible under the state allocation; if the number is even, the membership shall be equally divided between men and women; if the number is odd, the variance between men and women may not exceed one (1), and the advantaged gender must not remain constant for the three standing committees (Call VII.E.(1))

4. Temporary members serve only in the event that the respective standing committee is called to meet prior to completion of the state’s delegate selection process (and subsequent selection of permanent standing committee members), and no temporary member may continue to serve after the selection of the permanent standing committee members unless he or she is elected as a permanent member. (Call VII.G.(3))

5. The State Chair shall certify the temporary standing committee members in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after their election. Substitutions in a state’s list of temporary members may only be made up to ten (10) days prior to the time the standing committee meets. Substitute temporary standing committee members will be selected at a meeting of the Indiana Democratic Party’s State Central Committee in accordance with the provisions outlined above. (Call VII.B.(3) and G.(3))

C. Permanent Standing Committee Members

1. Selection Meeting

a. The members of the standing committees shall be elected by a quorum of Indiana’s National Convention delegates, at a meeting to be held on June 21, 2008. (Call, VII.B.1.)

b. All members of the delegation shall receive adequate notice of the time, date and place of the meeting to select the standing committee members. (Call, VII.B.1.)

2. Allocation of Members

a. The members of the standing committees allocated to Indiana shall proportionately represent the presidential preference of all candidates (including uncommitted status) receiving the threshold percentage used in the state’s delegation to calculate the at-large apportionment pursuant to Rule 13.E. of the Delegate Selection Rules. (Call, VII.C.1. & Reg. 5.7.)

b. The presidential preference of each candidate receiving the applicable percentage or more within the delegation shall be multiplied by the total number of standing committee positions allocated to Indiana. If the result of such multiplication does not equal 0.455 or above, the presidential preference in question is not entitled to representation on the standing committee. If the result of such multiplication is 0.455 but less then 1.455, the presidential preference is entitled to one (1) position. Those preferences securing more than 1.455 but less then 2.455 are entitled to two (2) positions, etc. (Call, VII.C.2.)

c. Where the application of this formula results in the total allocation exceeding the total number of committee positions, the presidential candidate whose original figure of representation is farthest from its eventual rounded-off total shall be denied that one (1) additional position. Where the application of this formula results in the total allocation falling short of the total number of committee positions, the presidential candidate whose original figure of representation is closest to the next rounding level shall be allotted an additional committee position. (Call, VII.C.3.)

d. Standing committee positions allocated to a presidential candidate shall be proportionately allocated, to the extent practicable, to each of the three standing committees. When such allocation results in an unequal distribution of standing committee positions by candidate preference, a drawing shall be conducted to distribute the additional positions. (Call, VII.C.4.)

3. Presidential Candidate Right of Review

a. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), shall be given adequate notice of the date, time and location of the meeting of the state’s delegation authorized to elect standing committee members. (Call, VII.D.1.)

b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must submit to the State Democratic Chair, by 5:00 PM, June 21, 2008, a minimum of one (1) name for each slot awarded to that candidate for members of each committee. The delegation shall select the standing committee members submitted by the presidential candidates (including uncommitted status). Presidential candidates shall not be required to submit the name of more than one person for each slot awarded to such candidate for members of standing committees. (Call, VII.D.2.)

4. Selection Procedure to Achieve Equal Division

a. Presidential candidates (including uncommitted status) shall use their best efforts to ensure that their respective delegation of standing committee members shall achieve Indiana’s affirmative action goals and that their respective members are equally divided between men and women. (Rule 6.I. & Reg. 4.9.)

b. Each position on each standing committee shall be assigned by gender. For example, the first position on the Credentials Committee of the presidential candidate with the most standing committee positions shall be designated for a male, the second position for a female, and the remaining positions shall be designated in like fashion, alternating between males and females. Positions for presidential candidates on each committee shall be ranked according to the total number of standing positions allocated to each such candidate. After positions on the Credentials Committee are designated by sex, the designation shall continue with the Platform Committee, then the Rules Committee.

(1) A separate election shall be conducted for membership on each standing committee.

(2) The membership of the standing committees shall be as equally divided as possible under the state allocation; if the number is even, the membership shall be equally divided between men and women; if the number is odd, the variance between men and women may not exceed one (1), and the advantaged gender must not remain constant for the three standing committees. (Call, VII.E.1.)

(3) The positions allocated to each presidential candidate on each committee shall be voted on separately, and the winners shall be the highest vote-getter(s) of the appropriate sex.

5. Certification and Substitution

a. The State Democratic Chair shall certify the standing committee members in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after their selection. (Call, VII.B.3.)

b. No substitutions will be permitted in the case of standing committee members, except in the case of resignation or death. Substitutions must be made in accordance with the rules and the election procedures specified in this section, and must be certified in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the substitute member is selected. (Call, VII.B.4.)

Section V

The Delegation

A. Indiana will select one (1) person to serve as Delegation Chair and two (2) to serve as Convention Pages. (Call, IV.D., E.1. & Appendix C.)

B. Delegation Chair

1. Selection Meeting

a. The Delegation Chair shall be selected by a quorum of the state’s National Convention Delegates, at a meeting to be held on June 21, 2008 (Call, IV.D.)

b. All members of the delegation shall receive timely notice of the time, date and place of the meeting to select the Delegation Chair. (Rule 3.C.)

2. The State Democratic Chair shall certify the Delegation Chair in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after his or her selection. (Call, IV.D.)

C. Convention Pages

1. Two (2) individuals will be selected to serve as Indiana’s Convention Pages by the State Democratic Chair in consultation with the members of the Democratic National Committee from the state. This selection will take place on June 21, 2008. (Call, IV.E.3. & Reg. 5.5.)

2. The Convention Pages shall be as evenly divided between men and women as possible under the state allocation and shall reflect as much as possible, the Affirmative Action guidelines in the Affirmative Action Plan. (Reg. 5.5.A.)

3. The State Democratic Chair shall certify the individuals to serve as Indiana’s Convention Pages in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the selection. (Call, IV.E.3. & Reg. 5.5.B.)

Section VI

General Provisions and Procedural Guarantees

A. The Indiana Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to an open party by incorporating the ‘six basic elements’ as listed below. These provisions demonstrate the intention of the Democratic Party to ensure a full opportunity for all minority group members to participate in the delegate selection process. (Rules 4.A. & C.)

1. All public meetings at all levels of the Democratic Party in Indiana should be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status or physical disability (hereinafter collectively referred to as “status”). (Rule 4.B.(1))

2. No test for membership in, nor any oaths of loyalty to the Democratic Party in Indiana should be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the Democratic Party to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination based on “status.” (Rule 4.B.(2))

3. The time and place for all public meetings of the Democratic Party in Indiana on all levels should be publicized fully and in such manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all Party members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons. (Rule 4.B.(3))

4. The Democratic Party in Indiana, on all levels, should support the broadest possible registration without discrimination based on “status.” (Rule 4.B.(4))

5. The Democratic Party in Indiana should publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a full description of the legal and practical procedures for selection of Democratic Party officers and representatives on all levels. Publication of these procedures should be done in such fashion that all prospective and current members of each State Democratic Party will be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent procedures in time to participate in each selection procedure at all levels of the Democratic Party organization. (Rule 4.B.(5))

6. The Democratic Party in Indiana should publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties, a complete description of the legal and practical qualifications of all positions as officers and representatives of the State Democratic Party. Such publication should be done in timely fashion so that all prospective candidates or applicants for any elected of appointed position within each State Democratic Party will have full and adequate opportunity to compete for office. (Rule 4.B.(6))

B. Discrimination on the basis of ‘status’ in the conduct of Democratic Party affairs is prohibited. (Rule 5.B.)

C. Indiana’s delegation shall be equally divided between delegate men and delegate women, and alternate men and alternate women. Such goal applies to the entire delegation, which includes all pledged delegates and alternates and all unpledged delegates. Delegates and alternates shall be considered separate groups for purposes of achieving equal division. (Rule 6.C.)

D. All delegate and alternate candidates must be identified as to presidential preference or uncommitted status at all levels which determine presidential preference. (Rule 12.A.)

E. No delegate at any level of the delegate selection process shall be mandated by law or Party rules to vote contrary to that person’s presidential choice as expressed at the time the delegate is elected. (Rule 12.I.)

F. Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them. (Rule 12.J.)

G. All delegates, alternates and standing committee members must be bona fide Democrats who have the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States at heart, who subscribe to the substance, intent and principles of the Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, and who will participate in the Convention in good faith. (Rule 12.H. & Reg. 4.23.)

H. Forty (40) percent of the members of any Party body above the first level of the delegate selection process shall constitute a quorum for any business pertaining to the selection of National Convention delegates, alternates, standing committee members, and other official Convention participants. (Rule 15)

I. An accredited participant in a caucus, convention or committee meeting, after having appeared at such meeting and having established credentials, may register a non-transferable proxy with another duly accredited participant at that meeting (except where an accredited alternate is present and eligible to serve as a replacement), provided that no individual may hold more than three (3) proxies at one time. (Rule 16 & Reg. 4.28.)

J. The unit rule, or any rule or practice whereby all members of a Party unit or delegation may be required to cast their votes in accordance with the will of a majority of the body, shall not be used at any stage of the delegate selection process. (Rule 17.A.)

K. Any individual or group of Democrats may sponsor or endorse a slate of candidates for convention delegates. But no slate may, by virtue of such endorsement, receive a preferential place on a delegate selection ballot or be publicly identified on the ballot as the official Democratic Party organization slate, and all slates must meet identical qualifying requirements for appearing on a ballot at all levels of the delegate selection process. (Rule 17.B.)

L. All steps in the delegate selection process, including the filing of presidential candidates, must take place within the calendar year of the Democratic National Convention, except with respect to the implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan. (Rules 1.F. & 11.B.)

M. In electing and certifying delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Indiana thereby undertakes to assure all Democratic voters in the state full, timely and equal opportunity to participate in the delegate selection process and in all Party affairs and to implement affirmative action programs toward that end, and that the delegates and alternates to the Convention shall be selected in accordance with the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and that the voters in the state will have the opportunity to cast their election ballots for the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees selected by said Convention, and for electors pledged formally and in good conscience to the election of these Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees, under the label and designation of the Democratic Party of the United States, and that the delegates certified will not publicly support or campaign for any candidate for President or Vice President other than the nominees for the Democratic National Convention. (Call, II.B.)

Section VII

Affirmative Action, Outreach and Inclusion Plan

A. Statement of Purpose and Organization

1. Purpose and Objectives

a. In order that the Democratic Party at all levels be an open Party which includes rather than excludes people from participation, a program of effective affirmative action is hereby adopted by Indiana. (Rule 5.A.)

b. Discrimination on the basis of “status” in the conduct of Democratic Party affairs is prohibited. (Rule 5.B.)

c. All public meetings at all levels of the Democratic Party in Indiana should be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status or physical disability (hereinafter collectively referred to as “status”). (Rule 4.B.(1))

d. Consistent with the Democratic Party’s commitment to including historically under-represented in the Democratic Party’s affairs, by virtue of race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or disability, Indiana has developed Party outreach programs. Such programs include recruitment, education and training, in order to achieve full participation by such groups and diversity in the delegate selection process and at all levels of Party affairs for 2008. (Rule 5.C & Reg. 4.7.)

e. In order to encourage full participation by all Democrats in the delegate selection process and in all Party affairs, the Indiana Democratic Party has adopted and will implement programs with specific goals and timetables for African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans and women. (Rule 6.A.)

(1) The goal of the programs shall be to encourage participation in the delegate selection process and in Party organizations at all levels by the aforementioned groups as indicated by their presence in the Democratic electorate. (Rule 6.A.(1))

(2) This goal shall not be accomplished either directly or indirectly by the Party’s imposition of mandatory quotas at any level of the delegate selection process or in any other Party affairs. (Rule 6.A.(2))

2. Organizational Structure

a. An Affirmative Action Committee shall be appointed by the State Democratic Chair on March 1, 2007. (Rule 6.F.)

b. The Committee shall consist of members from each delegate district representing the Democratic constituency groups set forth in the Introduction to the Affirmative Action Plan. See Exhibit 1.

c. The Affirmative Action Committee shall be responsible for:

(1) Reviewing the proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans and making recommendations to the State Democratic Chair.

(2) Reviewing the proposed Inclusion Programs and making recommendations to the State Democratic Chair.

(3) Directing the implementation of all requirements of the Affirmative Action section of this Plan.

(4) Implementing an educational campaign finance program for delegates and alternates. (Rule 6.G.)

(5) Ensuring, on behalf of the State Party Committee, that district lines used in the delegate selection process are not gerrymandered to discriminate against African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans and women. (Rule 6.E.)

d. Financial and staff support for the Affirmative Action Committee shall be provided by the State Party Committee to the greatest extent feasible, including, but not limited to, making available on a priority basis, the State Party staff and volunteers and covering all reasonable costs incurred in carrying out this Plan.

3. Implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan shall begin on September 16, 2007, with the distribution of the press kits, and will continue through the end of the delegate selection process. (Rule 1.F.)

B. Efforts to Educate on the Delegate Selection Process

1. Well publicized educational workshops will be conducted in each of the delegate districts beginning in September 2007. These workshops will be designed to encourage participation in the delegate selection process, including apprising potential delegate candidates of the availability of financial assistance. These workshops will be held in places which are easily accessible to persons with physical disabilities. The times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of all education workshops, meetings and other events involved in the delegate selection process shall be effectively publicized by the party organization and include mailings to various organizations representative of the Democratic voting populace. (Rules 3.A. & 3.C.)

2. A speaker’s bureau of volunteers from the Affirmative Action Committee comprised of individuals who are fully familiar with the process, will be organized to appear before groups as needed, to provide information concerning the process.

3. The State Party’s education efforts will include outreach to community leaders within the Democratic Party’s constituencies and making sure that information about the delegate selection process is available to Democratic clubs and Party caucuses representing specific constituencies.

4. The State Party will publish and make available at no cost: a clear and concise explanation of how Democratic voters can participate in the delegate selection process; an explanation of how, where and when persons can register to vote; and delegate district maps. As well, the State Party shall also make available copies of the State Party Rules, the Delegate Selection Plan (and its attachments), the Affirmative Action Plan, and relevant state statutes at no cost. Copies of documents related to the state’s delegate selection process will be prepared and the Affirmative Action Committee will distribute them in the various delegate districts not later than January 15, 2008.(Rule 1.H.)

5. The State Party shall take all feasible steps to encourage persons to register and to vote as Democrats and will seek to ensure simple and easy registration procedures. (Rule 2.C.)

C. Efforts to Publicize the Delegate Selection Process

1. Special attention shall be directed at publicizing the delegate selection process in the state. Such publicity shall include information on eligibility to vote and how to become a candidate for delegate, the time and location of each stage of the delegate selection process and where to get additional information. The foregoing information will also be published in the State Party newspaper. The Party organization, official, candidate, or member calling a meeting or scheduling an event, shall effectively publicize the role that such meeting or event plays in the selection of delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention. (Rules 3.C. and 3.D.)

2. Newspapers, radio and television will be utilized to inform the general public how, when and where to participate in the delegate selection process. Specifically, this information should provide details as to how to qualify to run as a delegate candidate. Special effort shall be directed to the major daily newspapers, radio and television stations by the State Democratic Chair, Affirmative Action Committee members and staff. Regular releases during the delegate selection process to all other media sources, weekly newspapers, and wire services should complete timely coverage. See, Exhibit 2. (Rules 4.B.(3) & 6.D.)

3. A priority effort shall be directed at publicity among the Democratic Party’s constituencies.

a. Information about the delegate selection process will be provided to minority newspapers and radio stations, ethnic press, Native American, Asian/Pacific American, Spanish-speaking and other non-English press, radio stations and publications, and women’s organizations, student newspapers, gay and lesbian press, disability press, and any other specialty media in the state that is likely to reach the Democratic constituency groups set forth in the Introduction of this Affirmative Action Plan.

b. The State Party shall be responsible for the implementation of this publicity effort. For purposes of providing adequate notice of the delegate selection process, the times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of the Indiana State Democratic Convention shall be effectively publicized, bilingually where necessary, to encourage the participation of minority groups. (Rule 6.D.)

4. Not later September 16, 2007, a press kit shall be made and provided to each daily and weekly newspaper as well as to the electronic media. The press kit will include:

a. a summary of all pertinent rules related to the state’s delegate selection process;

b. a map of delegate districts and how many delegates will be elected within each district;

c. a summary explaining the operation and importance of the 2008 Convention; and

d. materials designed to encourage participation by prospective delegate candidates.

D. Representation Goals

1. The State Party has determined the demographic composition of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific Americans in the state’s Democratic electorate. These constituency percentages shall be established as goals for representation in the state’s convention delegation. (Rule 6.A.)

The State Party has determined the demographic composition of members of the LGBT community, people with disabilities, and youth in the state’s Democratic electorate and furthermore, the State Party has chosen to establish these percentages as goals for representation in the state’s convention delegation. The percentages are based upon the vote totals and percentages of the Democratic electorate from the 2004 Indiana Gubernatorial race.

	African Americans	Hispanics	Native Americans	Asian/Pacific Americans	LGBT Americans	People with Disabilities	Youth
% in Democratic Electorate	14%	4%	0%	1%	n/a	n/a	15%
Numeric Goals for Delegation	15	5	0	1	4	4	5

African Americans

Hispanics

Native Americans

Asian/Pacific Americans

LGBT Americans

People with Disabilities

Youth

% in Democratic Electorate

14%

n/a

15%

Numeric Goals for Delegation

2. When selecting the at-large portion of the delegation, the demographic composition of the other delegates (district-level, pledged PLEO, and unpledged) shall be compared with the State Party’s goals in order to achieve an at-large selection process which helps to bring about a representative balance.

3. Use of the at-large delegation to achieve the affirmative action goals established by this Plan does not obviate the need for the State Party to conduct outreach activities such as recruitment, education and training. (Rule 6.A.(3))

E. Obligations of Presidential Candidates to Maximize Participation

1. Presidential candidates shall assist the Indiana Democratic Party in meeting the demographic representation goals reflected in the Affirmative Action Plan. (Rule 6.H.)

2. Each presidential candidate must submit a written statement to the State Democratic Chair by December 1, 2007 which indicates the specific steps he or she will take to encourage full participation in Indiana’s delegate selection process, including, but not limited to, procedures by which persons may file as candidates for delegate or alternate. (Rule 6.H.(1))

3. Each presidential candidate must submit demographic information with respect to all candidates for delegate and alternate pledged to them. Such information shall be submitted in conjunction with the list of names approved for consideration as delegate and alternate candidates pledged to the presidential candidate. (Rule 6.H.(2))

4. Presidential candidates (including uncommitted status) shall use their best effort to ensure that their respective delegations within the state’s delegate, alternate and standing committee delegations shall achieve the affirmative action goals reflected in the Affirmative Action Plan and that the respective delegations of each presidential candidate shall be equally divided between men and women. Furthermore, presidential candidates shall use their best efforts at the district level to approve delegate and alternate candidates who meet applicable equal division and affirmative action considerations in order to achieve the affirmative action goals and equal division for their respective delegations. (Rule 6.I. & Reg. 4.9.)

Section VIII

Challenges

A. Jurisdiction & Standing

1. Challenges related to the delegate selection process are governed by the Regulations of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (Regs., Sec. 3.), and the “Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.” (Call, Appendix A.)

2. Under Rule 20.B. of the 2008 Delegate Selection Rules, the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee has jurisdiction over challenges pertaining to the submission, non-implementation and violation of state Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans. (Rule 20.B.)

3. The Rules and Bylaws Committee has jurisdiction to hear and decide any challenge provided it is initiated before the 56th day preceding the date of the commencement of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (Call, Appendix A. & Reg., 3.1.)

4. Challenges to the credentials of delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention initiated on or after the 56th day preceding the date of commencement of the Democratic National Convention shall be processed in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.” (Call, Appendix A)

5. Any challenge to the credentials of a standing committee member shall be considered and resolved by the affected standing committee in accordance with Appendix A of the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The Rules and Bylaws Committee shall have jurisdiction over challenges brought before the 56th day preceding the date of the commencement of the Democratic National Convention. (Call, VII.B.5.)

6. Copies of the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee and/or the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, including the Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee (Appendix A), shall be made available by the State Party upon reasonable request.

7. Any group of fifteen Democrats with standing to challenge as defined in Reg. 3.2 or the Call (Appendix A, Sec. 2.A.), may bring a challenge to this Plan or to the implementation of this Plan, including its Affirmative Action provisions.

B. Challenges to the Status of the State Party and Challenges to the Plan

1. A challenge to the status of the State Party Committee as the body entitled to sponsor a delegation from that state shall be filed with the Rules and Bylaws Committee not later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the initiation of the state’s delegate selection process. (Rule 20.A. & Reg. 3.4.A.)

2. A challenge to the state’s Delegate Selection Plan shall be filed with the Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party and the Co-Chairs of the Rules and Bylaws Committee within fifteen (15) calendar days after the adoption of the Plan by the State Party. (Reg. 3.4.B.)

3. A challenge to a Plan must be brought in conformity with the Rules and the Regs., which should be consulted for a detailed explanation of challenge procedures.

C. Challenges to Implementation

1. A challenge may be brought alleging that a specific requirement of an approved Plan has not been properly implemented. Jurisdiction over all challenges initiated in a timely fashion shall reside with either the Rules and Bylaws Committee or the Credentials Committee of the National Convention (See Section VII.A. above). However, the Rules and Bylaws Committee may provide advice, assistance or interpretations of the Delegate Selection Rules at any stage of the delegate selection process. (Reg. 3.1.C.)

2. An implementation challenge brought before the Rules and Bylaws Committee is initiated by filing a written challenge with the State Party Committee and with the Rules and Bylaws Committee not later then fifteen (15) days after the alleged violation occurred. The State Party has twenty-one (21) days to render a decision. Within ten (10) days of the decision, any party to the challenge may appeal it to the Rules and Bylaws Committee. If in fact, the State Party renders no decision, any party to the challenge may request the Rules and Bylaws Committee to process it. The request must be made within ten (10) days after expiration of the above twenty-one (21) day period. (Regs. 3.4.C., E., & H.)

3. Performance under an approved Affirmative Action Plan and composition of the convention delegation shall be considered relevant evidence in the challenge to any state delegation. If a State Party has adopted and implemented an approved affirmative action program, the State Party shall not be subject to challenge based solely on delegation composition or primary results. (Rule 6.B.) The procedures are the same for challenges alleging failure to properly implement the Affirmative Action section of a Plan, except that such challenges must be filed not later than thirty (30) days prior to the initiation of the state’s delegate selection process. (Reg. 3.4.C.)

4. Depending on the appropriate jurisdiction (see Section VIII.A. above), implementation challenges must be brought in conformity with the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee or the Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee, which should be consulted for a detailed explanation of challenge procedures.

Section IX