Oct 30, 2007 6:21 pm US/Mountain
Democratic Superdelegates Divided On Endorsements
DENVER (AP) ―
The state's so-called Democratic "superdelegates" say they're divided on which candidate to back for president -- with three endorsing favorite western son Bill Richardson of New Mexico; two backing former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton; and a lone delegate supporting Barack Obama.
The other nine, including members of Colorado's congressional delegation, are staying out of the fray because they don't want to upset delegates to the state party convention next May.
Colorado's 15-member superdelegation includes the governor, a former governor, four members of Congress, a senator, and eight members of the Democratic National Committee.
Superdelegates are free to back any candidate, though once a nominee emerges, they usually back the winner.
Under Democratic Party rules, regular delegates' votes are binding for candidates they've promised to support.
State Democratic Party chairwoman Pat Waak said superdelegate endorsements carry weight because they come from party leaders who don't have to worry about getting elected at the convention.
Superdelegates make up about 14 percent of the 2,182 delegates a candidate will need to secure the party's presidential nomination at next year's national convention in Denver.
Additional Resources• For complete coverage of the planning for the 2008 Democratic convention in Denver, as well as information about how to volunteer and for a list of helpful links, visit the
Denver 2008 DNC Convention Section.
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