Case: DiMaio v. Democratic National Committee

8:08-cv-00672 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Filed Date: April 8, 2008

Closed Date: March 5, 2009

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case involved allegations that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 200d et seq., by ruling, prior to the 2008 presidential primaries, that all but four states were prohibited from holding their primaries or caucuses before February 5, 2008 and that Florida’s delegates would not be seated at its convention because Florida violated the DNC's scheduling rule. On April 8, 2008, a…

This case involved allegations that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 200d et seq., by ruling, prior to the 2008 presidential primaries, that all but four states were prohibited from holding their primaries or caucuses before February 5, 2008 and that Florida’s delegates would not be seated at its convention because Florida violated the DNC's scheduling rule.

On April 8, 2008, a registered Democrat in Hillsborough County, Florida, filed suit against the DNC in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The plaintiff was represented by private counsel.   The case was initially assigned to Judge James Moody but was reassigned to Judge Richard Lazzara on April 15, 2008.   This was the second time the plaintiff challenged the DNC’s scheduling rule. The plaintiff filed his first challenge on August 30, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (docket 8:07-cv-01552).   The first case was dismissed because the plaintiff lacked standing to bring his lawsuit.  The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal in a published opinion, DiMaio v. Democratic National Committee, 520 F.3d 1299 (11th Cir. 2008).  In the present case, the plaintiff attempted to cure the standing issue.

The DNC’s rules provided that only New Hampshire, Iowa, Nevada, and South Carolina could hold a primary election before the first Tuesday in February, and that the DNC could sanction a state for violating this rule by taking away its delegates to the convention. In 2007, the DNC decided to take away Florida's delegates because the state moved its primary too early. The plaintiff alleged that this violated his rights under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 200d et seq., because allowing some states to have early primaries but not others was discrimination based on geography, race, and national origin. The plaintiff sought a declaratory judgment as well as preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.

The parties each moved for summary judgment.   On May 28, 2008, the Court denied the plaintiff's motion and granted the DNC’s motion.  On June 4, 2008, the plaintiff filed his Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (docket 08-13241).   On January 30, 2009, in a per curiam published opinion, 555 F.3d 1343, the Eleventh Circuit dismissed the case as moot because the 2008 Democratic National Convention had already happened and the delegates from Florida were seated, so there wasn't anything left for the court to do.  The Eleventh Circuit thus dismissed the appeal as moot, vacated the judgment of the district court and remanded with instructions to dismiss the case as moot.   On March 5, 2009, the District Court entered its order dismissing the case, and it is now closed.  

Summary Authors

Denise Gunter (11/17/2023)

Related Cases

Dimaio v. Democratic National Com, Middle District of Florida (None)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/12428987/parties/dimaio-v-democratic-national-committee/


Judge(s)

Lazzara, Richard A. (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Steinberg, Michael Alan (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

Giddings, Katherine Eastmoore (Florida)

Sandler, Joseph E. (Florida)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

8:08-cv-00672

Plaintiff's Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

April 8, 2008

April 8, 2008

Complaint
11

8:08-cv-00672

Plaintiff's Statement of the Material Facts as to Which there is No Genuine Issue to Be Tried

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
10-1

8:08-cv-00672

Declaration of Philip McNamara in support of Defendant Howard Dean's and Democratic National Committee's Motion for Summary Judgment

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
10

8:08-cv-00672

Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum of Law in Support Thereof

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
10-2

8:08-cv-00672

Motion of Defendants Howard Dean and Democratic National Committee for Summary Judgment and Memorandum in Support Thereof

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
15

8:08-cv-00672

Cross Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum of Law in Support Thereof

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
15-1

8:08-cv-00672

Declaration of Philip McNamara in Support of Defendant Democratic National Committee's Motion for Summary Judgment

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
20

8:08-cv-00672

Response of Defendant Democratic National Committee in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and Incorporated Memorandum of Law

DiMaio v. Democratic National Commitee

May 13, 2008

May 13, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

8:08-cv-00672

Response and Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment

May 13, 2008

May 13, 2008

Pleading / Motion / Brief
24

8:08-cv-00672

Order

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/12428987/dimaio-v-democratic-national-committee/

Last updated March 9, 2024, 3:04 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Democratic National Committee (Filing fee $ 350 receipt number T0455840) filed by Victor DiMaio.(CDA) (Additional attachment(s) added on 4/9/2008: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C) (CDA). (Entered: 04/09/2008)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C

View on PACER

April 8, 2008

April 8, 2008

Clearinghouse
2

Summons issued as to Democratic National Committee. (CDA) (Entered: 04/09/2008)

April 8, 2008

April 8, 2008

PACER
3

NOTICE of designation under Local Rule 3.05 - track 2 issued by Deputy Clerk on 4/10/2008. (SMB) (Entered: 04/10/2008)

April 10, 2008

April 10, 2008

PACER
4

ORDER transferring the case to the Honorable Ralph Lazzara, with his consent. Signed by Judge James S. Moody, Jr on 4/15/2008. (LN) (Entered: 04/15/2008)

April 15, 2008

April 15, 2008

PACER

Case reassigned to Judge Richard A. Lazzara. New case number: 8:08-cv-672-T-26EAJ. Judge James S. Moody, Jr no longer assigned to the case. (APV)

April 15, 2008

April 15, 2008

PACER
5

AMENDED ORDER amending [Dkt. 4] Order transferring case. Signed by Judge James S. Moody, Jr. on 4/17/2008. (SMB) (Entered: 04/17/2008)

April 17, 2008

April 17, 2008

PACER
6

NOTICE of Appearance by Katherine Eastmoore Giddings on behalf of Democratic National Committee (Giddings, Katherine) (Entered: 04/18/2008)

April 18, 2008

April 18, 2008

PACER
7

COUNSEL NOTIFIED TO REFILE USING CORRECT EVENT CODE. Written designation and consent to act by Katherine Eastmoore Giddings on behalf of Democratic National Committee. Local Counsel: Katherine E. Giddings. Non-Resident Counsel:. (Giddings, Katherine) Modified on 4/21/2008 (BSN). (Entered: 04/18/2008)

April 18, 2008

April 18, 2008

PACER
8

Unopposed MOTION for Joseph E. Sandler to appear pro hac vice by Democratic National Committee. (Giddings, Katherine) (Entered: 04/21/2008)

April 21, 2008

April 21, 2008

PACER
9

ENDORSED ORDER granting 8 Motion for Joseph E. Sandler to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 4/21/2008. (SKH) (Entered: 04/21/2008)

April 21, 2008

April 21, 2008

PACER
10

MOTION for summary judgment by Victor DiMaio. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Steinberg, Michael) (Entered: 04/29/2008)

1 Exhibit A

View on Clearinghouse

2 Exhibit B

View on Clearinghouse

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

Clearinghouse
11

STATEMENT of undisputed facts by Victor DiMaio.. (Steinberg, Michael) (Entered: 04/29/2008)

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

Clearinghouse
12

MOTION to expedite by Victor DiMaio. (Steinberg, Michael) (Entered: 04/29/2008)

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
13

ORDER ATTACHED granting 12 Plaintiff's Motion to Expedite Scheduling of Hearing on Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment. Defendant shall file a response to the Motion for Summary Judgment on or before 5/13/08. Signed by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 4/29/2008. (DMB) (Entered: 04/29/2008)

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
14

NOTICE OF HEARING on 10 Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment. Hearing set for 5/28/2008 at 09:30 AM in Courtroom 15 B before Judge Richard A. Lazzara. (DMB) Modified on 4/29/2008 (DMB). (Entered: 04/29/2008)

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
15

Cross MOTION for summary judgment and Memorandum of Law in Support Thereof by Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Philip McNamara)(Giddings, Katherine) (Entered: 05/01/2008)

1 Declaration of Philip McNamara

View on Clearinghouse

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

Clearinghouse
16

ENDORSED ORDER directing Plaintiff to file a response to Defendant's 15 Cross Motion for Summary Judgment on or before 5/16/08. Signed by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 5/1/2008. (DMB) (Entered: 05/01/2008)

May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008

PACER
17

NOTICE by Democratic National Committee of Filing Motion to Transfer (Giddings, Katherine) (Entered: 05/08/2008)

May 8, 2008

May 8, 2008

RECAP
18

MOTION to transfer case (similar) by Democratic National Committee. (Giddings, Katherine) (Entered: 05/08/2008)

May 8, 2008

May 8, 2008

RECAP
19

ORDER ATTACHED denying without prejudice 18 Motion to Transfer Case. Signed by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 5/8/2008. (SKH) (Entered: 05/08/2008)

May 8, 2008

May 8, 2008

RECAP
20

RESPONSE in opposition re 10 MOTION for summary judgment and Incorporated Memorandum of Law filed by Democratic National Committee. (Giddings, Katherine) (Entered: 05/13/2008)

May 13, 2008

May 13, 2008

Clearinghouse
21

RESPONSE re 15 Cross MOTION for summary judgment and Memorandum of Law in Support Thereof filed by Victor DiMaio. (Steinberg, Michael) (Entered: 05/13/2008)

May 13, 2008

May 13, 2008

Clearinghouse
22

Minute Entry. Proceedings held before Judge Richard A. Lazzara: Motion Hearing held on 5/28/2008 re 15 Cross MOTION for summary judgment filed by Democratic National Committee, 10 MOTION for summary judgment filed by Victor DiMaio. Court Reporter: Claudia Spangler-Fry (RJC) (Entered: 05/28/2008)

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

PACER
23

Pursusant to the direction of the Court on the record in the hearing held this date the FINAL ORDER in case 8:07-cv-1552-T-26MAP shall be filed in this case. Entered by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 5/28/2008. (RJC) (Entered: 05/28/2008)

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

RECAP
24

ORDER ATTACHED denying 10 Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and granting 15 Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment. Each party shall bear their own attorney fees and costs. The Clerk is directed to enter judgment for Defendant and against Plaintiff and to close this case. Signed by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 5/28/2008. (DMB) (Entered: 05/28/2008)

May 28, 2008

May 28, 2008

Clearinghouse
25

VACATED PURSUANT TO ORDER 40 JUDGMENT in favor of Democratic National Committee against Victor DiMaio (Signed by Deputy Clerk) (EJC) Modified text on 3/18/2009 (JNB). (Entered: 05/29/2008)

May 29, 2008

May 29, 2008

Clearinghouse
26

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 24 Order on motion for summary judgment by Victor DiMaio. (Filing fee not paid) (Steinberg, Michael) (Entered: 06/04/2008)

June 4, 2008

June 4, 2008

PACER

TRANSMITTAL of initial appeal package to USCA consisting of certified copies of notice of appeal, docket sheet, order/judgment being appealed, and motion, if applicable to USCA re 26 Notice of appeal. Eleventh Circuit Transcript information form forwarded to pro se litigants and available to counsel at www.flmd.uscourts.gov under Forms and Publications/General. (DG)

June 5, 2008

June 5, 2008

PACER

USCA appeal fees received $455 receipt number T046490 re 26 Notice of appeal filed by Victor DiMaio (DLV)

June 17, 2008

June 17, 2008

PACER

TRANSMITTAL to USCA forwarding certified copy of receipt/payment re 26 Notice of appeal USCA number: 08-13241-D. (DLV)

June 18, 2008

June 18, 2008

PACER
27

ORDER of USCA (certified copy) appeal is hereby DISMISSED as to 26 Notice of appeal filed by Victor DiMaio. EOD: 07/11/08; USCA number: 08-13241-D. (DLV) (Entered: 07/14/2008)

July 14, 2008

July 14, 2008

PACER
28

COURT REPORTER ACKNOWLEDGMENT by Claudia Spangler-Fry re 26 Notice of appeal Estimated transcript filing date: 07/23/08. USCA number: 08-13241-D. (CS) (Entered: 07/23/2008)

July 23, 2008

July 23, 2008

PACER
29

TRANSCRIPT of Excerpts of Motion Hearing held on 5/28/08 before Judge Richard A. Lazzara re 26 Notice of appeal. Court Reporter Claudia Spangler-Fry, Telephone number 813/301-5575. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through the Court Reporter or PACER. Redaction Request due 8/13/2008, Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/25/2008, Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/21/2008. (CS) (Entered: 07/23/2008)

July 23, 2008

July 23, 2008

PACER
30

NOTICE to counsel of filing of OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT. The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. Any party needing a copy of the transcript to review for redaction purposes may purchase a copy from the court reporter or view the document at the clerk's office public terminal. Court Reporter: Claudia Spangler-Fry (CS) (Entered: 07/23/2008)

July 23, 2008

July 23, 2008

PACER
31

TRANSCRIPT information form filed for proceedings held on oral recitation of findings to be incorporated as part of court's order before Judge Richard A. Lazzara re 26 Notice of appeal. USCA number: 08-13241-D. (DLV) (Entered: 07/25/2008)

July 23, 2008

July 23, 2008

PACER
32

COURT REPORTER ACKNOWLEDGMENT by Claudia Spangler-Fry re 26 Notice of appeal Estimated transcript filing date: 9/8/08. USCA number: 08-13241-D. (CS) (Entered: 08/08/2008)

Aug. 8, 2008

Aug. 8, 2008

PACER
33

TRANSCRIPT information form filed by Victor DiMaio for proceedings held on 05/28/08 before Judge Richard A. Lazzara re 26 Notice of appeal. USCA number: 08-13241-D. (DLV) (Entered: 08/08/2008)

Aug. 8, 2008

Aug. 8, 2008

PACER
34

TRANSCRIPT of Motion for Summary Judgment held on 5/28/08 before Judge Richard A. Lazzara re 26 Notice of appeal. Court Reporter Claudia Spangler-Fry, Telephone number 813/301-5575. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER or purchased through the Court Reporter. Redaction Request due 9/2/2008, Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 9/12/2008, Release of Transcript Restriction set for 11/10/2008. (CS) (Entered: 08/12/2008)

Aug. 12, 2008

Aug. 12, 2008

PACER
35

NOTICE to counsel of filing of OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT. The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. Any party needing a copy of the transcript to review for redaction purposes may purchase a copy from the court reporter or view the document at the clerk's office public terminal. Court Reporter: Claudia Spangler-Fry (CS) (Entered: 08/12/2008)

Aug. 12, 2008

Aug. 12, 2008

PACER
36

NOTIFICATION that transcript has been filed by Claudia Spangler-Fry re: 26 Notice of appeal USCA number: 08-13241-D (CS) (Entered: 08/12/2008)

Aug. 12, 2008

Aug. 12, 2008

PACER
37

ORDER of USCA REINSTATE as to 26 Notice of appeal filed by Victor DiMaio. EOD: 07/25/08; USCA number: 08-13241-D. (DLV) (Entered: 08/18/2008)

Aug. 18, 2008

Aug. 18, 2008

PACER
38

CERTIFICATE of readiness sent to USCA re: 26 Notice of appeal. ROA consists of: volume of pleadings: 1; volume of transcripts: 2; volume of exhibits: 1 expandable folder of documentary exhibits. USCA number: 08-13241-D (DLV) (Entered: 08/28/2008)

Aug. 28, 2008

Aug. 28, 2008

PACER

ACKNOWLEDGMENT by USCA of receiving certificate of readiness on 09/02/08 re 26 Notice of appeal. USCA number: 08-13241-D. (DLV)

Sept. 5, 2008

Sept. 5, 2008

PACER

RECORD on appeal sent to USCA re 26 Notice of appeal. Transmittal includes certified copy of docket sheet, volume of pleadings: 1, volume of transcripts: 2, volume of exhibits: 1 expandable folder of documentary exhibits. USCA number 08-13241-DD (DLV)

Sept. 24, 2008

Sept. 24, 2008

PACER

ACKNOWLEDGMENT by USCA of receiving record on appeal on 09/26/08 re 26 Notice of appeal. USCA number: 08-13241-DD. (DLV)

Oct. 1, 2008

Oct. 1, 2008

PACER

TRANSMITTAL to USCA forwarding Volume 1 of Pleadings of Record on Appeal (2nd transmission) with an indexed certified copy of docket sheet re 26 Notice of appeal USCA number: 08-13241-DD. (DLV)

Oct. 7, 2008

Oct. 7, 2008

PACER

ACKNOWLEDGMENT by USCA of receiving Volume 1 of Pleadings of Record on Appeal (2nd Transmission) on 10/09/08 and certified copy of indexed docket sheet re 26 Notice of appeal. USCA number: 08-13241-DD. (DLV)

Oct. 14, 2008

Oct. 14, 2008

PACER
39

MANDATE of USCA (certified copy) appeal DISMISSED, the judgment of the district court is VACATED, and the case is REMANDED with instructions to dismiss the case as moot as to 26 Notice of appeal filed by Victor DiMaio Issued as Mandate: 03/03/09 EOD: 1/30/09. USCA number: 08-13241-DD. (DLV) (Entered: 03/05/2009)

March 5, 2009

March 5, 2009

Clearinghouse
40

ENDORSED ORDER that upon due consideration of 39 the Mandate and Judgment of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals found at docket 39, it is ordered and adjudged that 25 this Court's judgment found at docket 25 is vacated and this case is dismissed as moot. Signed by Judge Richard A. Lazzara on 3/5/2009. (DMB) (Entered: 03/05/2009)

March 5, 2009

March 5, 2009

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Florida

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 8, 2008

Closing Date: March 5, 2009

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

An adult citizen of Hillsborough County, FL and registered Democrat

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Democratic National Committee (- United States (national) -), Political Party

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Non-settlement Outcome

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Impact

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Voting:

Voting: General & Misc.