UPDATE: Check out the jump to see the state GOP's response, putting much of the blame squarely on Gelber and his Democratic colleagues.

Dan Gelber, the state House Democratic leader who played a big role in Florida Democrats getting into their mess with a boycotted, delegate-free primary, now offers a solution on his campaign blog: a vote by-mail election. Last we heard, the FDP priced that out to cost at least $4-million (assuming a mailing to every Democratic house hold - though Gelber would invite indendents too). Gelber:

"...So let me suggest a way that not only gets us out of the jam but might even turn out to be better than we could ever hope for. Host a run-off election by mail and include Independent voters. The DNC has already indicated it would approve a compliant election, and a statewide vote by mail should qualify. It is less expensive than caucuses and more inclusive, and I think we could raise the money needed in short order, perhaps with some help from the DNC. Further, why not include registered Independent voters in the election. I promise you, Republicans will quickly stop laughing when they watch Florida Democrats not simply unite but also reach out to the crucial block of voters (Independents) that will be determining who wins Florida in November. Also, a vote by mail would be an invaluable organizing tool for the general election so the money we spent would have added utility. "

"Dan Gelber may try to do an about-face on this issue, but even he can't deny the facts: The Democrats sponsored the bill to move the primary up.  They voted for it unanimously.  Now they want to disenfranchise 1.7 million Democrat voters? That's not only a 'hard pill to swallow,' it's a fatal one,'' said RPOF spokeswoman Erin Vansickle, who offered up a few of the Democrats' golden not-so-oldies:

"I don’t want to get in a game of chicken with the national Democratic Party, but candidly, I don’t represent Howard Dean.  I represent a lot of people who would like to be the primary journey as more than just potential contributors."  --Dan Gelber, St. Pete Times, 02/09/07

"Would we rather have a say in who the party's nominee is or send a few more people to party?" --Jeremy Ring, Tampa Trib, 2/16/07

"I'd love to see him [Dean] enforce that" --Steve Geller, Orlando Sentinel, 4/28/07