Michael Steed

WASHINGTON -- Maryland's Michael Steed played a prominent role in a nationally televised drama that featured high stakes political maneuvering that could help decide the next President of the United States.

Steed, of New Market, is a member of the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee. Today four cable networks followed a day-long proceeding that decided whether or not to seat delegates from Florida and Michigan after those two states held primaries in violation of party rules.

UPDATE: Steed is there.

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee is having its most important meeting in decades, and roll call of the 30-member committee appointed by Howard Dean just took place.

Of Maryland's members, Janice Griffin is there, but Michael Steed did not respond when his name was called.

Is he late, or just not there?

Hey conspiracy theorists, chew on this: Griffin is an Obama supporter. Steed is for Clinton.

Janice Griffin, a member of the Democratic National Committee’s Credentials Committee, told PolitickerMD.com that she expects Florida and Michigan’s delegations “will be seated” at the Democratic National Convention.  As a member of the Rules and Bylaws Committee, Griffin voted last year to strip Florida and Michigan of their delegates.

When asked how those states’ delegates should be allocated between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, Griffin said, ““I have not had time to think about it yet.”

Florida and Michigan were stripped of their delegates after the states moved their primaries to January, in violation of Democratic Party rules.