For the first time in a generation, Kansas Democrats will have the opportunity to influence the results of the 2008 Presidential nomination for the Democratic Party.

The Kansas Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan was unanimously approved last night by the Kansas Democratic Party Executive Committee. The plan designates February 5th as the date for the state's Democratic caucuses. Twenty-one states will be holding caucuses and primaries on the 5th, including Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas.

"Kansas Democrats are eager to be counted among those states that decide the Democratic presidential nominee," said Party Chairman Larry Gates. "And with such a strong field of Democratic candidates, we undoubtedly are taking part in the decision for the next President of the United States."

The plan formally describes the process of how the Kansas Democratic Party will select its 40 delegates and five alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention to be held in Denver, Colorado the week of August 25-28.

The Kansas Democratic Party's delegation will include seven unpledged Party Leader and Elected Official Delegates. In April 2008, 21 delegates and four alternates will be elected at Congressional District Conventions. An additional seven at large delegates, four party leader and elected official delegates, one unpledged add-on delegate and one alternate will be elected at the State Convention in May 2008.

Included in the plan is the appointment of an Affirmative Action and Delegate Selection Committee whose mission will be to make the delegate selection process accessible to all Kansas Democrats.

"Our goal is to have an inclusive plan that will send a wide spectrum of Kansas Democrats to our national convention," said Gates. "We look forward to representing our state well in Denver."

The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee will now consider the Kansas Democratic Party Delegate Selection Plan for adoption.