Posted on 03/11/2008 8:15:37 AM PDT by SmithL
Freshman Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton has enough to worry about this year: He's in a swing district, and Republicans are working feverishly to unseat him this November.
Now he has another headache: As one of 796 Democratic superdelegates, he could help tilt the presidential nomination to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama or New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. But supporting either one could alienate fans of the other - which could cost McNerney votes he needs this fall.
No surprise, then, that the 56-year-old former wind engineer would prefer to avoid the choice altogether: "I'll make a decision when I have to."
McNerney is not alone. Some superdelegates relish their power in determining the party's nominee, but interviews with uncommitted California superdelegates suggest that many are torn over which candidate to support and are conflicted about their role.
"It's like saying, 'Which are your favorite children?' How are you going to choose?" said Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel. "I like them both. I think they would be great together."
Farr's district was divided in California's Feb. 5 primary: Santa Cruz County voted for Obama, while Monterey and Salinas backed Clinton.
McNerney's district, which is based mostly in San Joaquin County, tipped more heavily toward Clinton, but it also contains ardent Obama supporters.
Clinton has called him, urging his support. Voters back home have tried to sway him. McNerney said it's still too soon to make the decision. "I'm going to let the voters decide for themselves," he said.
Many uncommitted superdelegates have been rooting for either candidate to run up a big lead in elected or "pledged" delegates to save them from having to choose the nominee.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Democrats abandoned democracy in their own party when the people nominated McGovern.
Whyfor and howcome does she get her middle name used, but he doesn't?
/ as if I didn't know already.
“Wind Engineer”?
Like as in Al Gore, wind engineer?
I read that Spitzer is a superdelegate. Hillary has issued a statement of support.
I guess he will support her, especially since they have stuff in common, besides being arrogant and hypocrites.
Hillary’s middle name is Diane, not Rodham.
Sweet! Let's hope!
If superdelegates bend to the will of the people, then they are pointless.
If the overrule the people's voice, there will be hell to pay.
Pass the popcorn.
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