[samtheman]

I have a question regarding delegates that maybe somebody here can answer.

Let’s say at the end of the primary season there are 2 contenders, A and B, with close to equal amount of delegates, but neither having the winning number.

Let’s also say there’s a third candidate C still in the race but obviously out of the running with a chunk of delegates that could put either of the 2 front-runners over the top.

If candidate C says to his own delegates: “I direct all of you to vote for candidate B”, what happens next?

Are the delegates of candidate C required to vote for candidate B? Are they very likely to vote for candidate B?

How much influence does candidate C have over what his own delegates will do if he clearly can’t win at the convention?

Thanks.

[neverdem]

Let’s say at the end of the primary season there are 2 contenders, A and B, with close to equal amount of delegates, but neither having the winning number.

Let’s also say there’s a third candidate C still in the race but obviously out of the running with a chunk of delegates that could put either of the 2 front-runners over the top.

If candidate C says to his own delegates: “I direct all of you to vote for candidate B”, what happens next?

Are the delegates of candidate C required to vote for candidate B? Are they very likely to vote for candidate B?

How much influence does candidate C have over what his own delegates will do if he clearly can’t win at the convention?

IIRC, released delegates are as free as the wind.