Top Clinton Supporters Warn Pelosi Over Superdelegate Statements
WASHINGTON — Twenty top Democratic donors who are supporting Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a letter asking her to retract her comments on superdelegates and stay out of the Democratic fight over their role in the presidential race.
In their letter, Clinton’s supporters said superdelegates “must look to not one criterion but to the full panoply of factors that will help them assess who will be the party’s strongest nominee in the general election.”
The letter also noted the donors “have been strong supporters” of the House Democrats’ fundraising arm. “We therefore urge you to clarify your position on superdelegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the national convention in August.”
Pelosi, who has not endorsed either candidate as chair of the Democratic National Convention, said during a March 16 appearance on ABC’s “This Week” that it would be harmful to the party if superdelegates don’t support the pledged delegate winner.
“This is an untenable position that runs counter to the party’s intent in establishing superdelegates in 1984,” the letter from the wealthy Clinton backers said.
No matter what the outcome of the 10 remaining contests, it will be nearly impossible for Clinton to overcome rival Barack Obama’s lead in pledged delegates, because they are awarded proportionally based on the outcome.
So it will be up to the nearly 800 superdelegates — party activists and elected officials who aren’t bound by any vote — to put one of the two candidates over the mark of 2,024 delegates needed to win the nomination. Obama has 1,406 pledged delegates to Clinton’s 1,249, according to The Associated Press count.
Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, “This letter is inappropriate and we hope the Clinton campaign will reject the insinuation contained in it.”
“Regardless of the outcome of the nomination fight, Senator Obama will continue to urge his supporters to assist Speaker Pelosi in her efforts to maintain and build a working majority in the House of Representatives,” Burton said.
Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said Clinton had made the case superdelegates should exercise independent judgment about who would be the best for the party and the country.
“Few have done more to build the Democratic Party than Bill and Hillary Clinton. The last thing they need is a lecture from the Obama campaign,” he said.
The letter was first reported by the political blog Talking Points Memo.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
I would like to know who these big donors are that are apparently strong arming leaders in our government. I suppose if they succeed it will no longer be “by the people, for the people” but “by the wealthy donors, for the wealthy donors”. Once again the majority could possibly no longer have a voice!
Pelosi is not qualified for her job. She got her job based soley on her fathers standing in the political areana and this is one more action by her that proves she doesn’t know what she is talking about. Democrates should be ashamed to have that woman representing them in the House. Superdelagates are there for a reason, I am not a democrate but do support the idea that the DEM’s should have the best candidate for the election. Obama is worried because he is loosing steam and Hillary needs them. Fair is Fair.
Grow up!!
Well I guess we know who runs the Clinton Campaign and I guess we will see shortly if they run the Dem Party as well. Isn’t that supposed to be a “for the people by the people” kinda thing?
It maybe true that no one has done more to build the democratic party. But no one has done more to tear it down either. They are acting as if they own it! To ignore the will of the people with be disasterous for the Dems. Just try and totally go against the large majority and Hello McBush for President!
The Clintons should be getting a Christmas card from McCain this year and the Republican party, not only are they going to put McCain in the White House but it will take the Democratic party a generation to recover from the Clinton campaign
I am appalled by the comments of Nancy Pellosi. She needs to stay OUT of the democratic presidential fight! As a democrat I feel violated and abused by my party. I am seriously considering becoming a Republican. They have shown more stability and respect!
I think the Clinton Fat Cats need to shut thier fat mouths, and stop trying to strongarm
Speaker Pelosi.
It would be unjust to let big business over ride the voice of the majority. What Nancy Pelosi said is for the Super Delegates to listen to the people. It sounds as if the Clinton contributors want to do away with what the people have to say and drive home their special interests at any cost.
Clinton campaign is right on point, those supers should think independently, Obama campaign should so same, after all, if Obama think he is the one, then he should make everybody think in same way, the everybody include those supers!!!!!!!!!!