Counting the Delegates (from blogforamerica.com)

[Wonk]

In last night's strategy memo, campaign chief Roy Neel wrote that after February 3, few than 10% of the delegates will have been selected. But not every one understands the significance of delegates on winning the nomination. While primaries and caucuses are the most visible part of the Presidential nomination process, the real selection of the nominee will be made by a majority of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Boston at the end of July.

What follows is a general overview of the delegate selection process. For more detailed, state-specific information, look for the delegate selection plan on the web site of each state’s Democratic Party.

Total delegates: 4,322, comprised of:
3,520 Pledged Delegates
802 Superdelegates
Delegates required to win the nomination: 2,162

Pledged Delegates are selected in primaries and caucuses. The number in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia is determined by the Democratic voting population. So more populous, “Democratic” states have more pledged delegates at stake: Iowa has 45 pledged delegates, New Hampshire has 22, and South Carolina 45. Michigan has 128 pledged delegates, Washington has 76, and Wisconsin 72.

The real delegate payoff occurs on March 2, 2004, or “Super Tuesday,” when 10 states (including New York and California) will hold their primaries and 1151 delegates will be up for grabs.

Within each state some pledged delegates are chosen statewide and others within Congressional districts or other subdivisions. To be eligible for delegates, a Presidential candidate must receive at least 15% of the primary or caucus votes in the state or congressional district. Pledged delegates are allocated proportionally among the Presidential candidates who meet the 15% threshold.

In Iowa Kerry won 20 pledged delegates, Edwards 18, and Dean 7. In New Hampshire Kerry won 14 and Dean won 8. Neither Edwards nor Clark met the 15% threshold in either congressional district in New Hampshire, so neither won delegates.

Howard Dean can pick up delegates in states that he does not win by getting at least 15% of the vote in particular congressional districts within the states.

Superdelegates basically fall into two categories: They are either Democratic members of Congress, or they are members of the Democratic National Committee. Superdelegates do not have to announce their choice until the July convention. They may announce their preference – or “endorse” a candidate - at any time, but are also free to change their preference up until they vote in Boston.

Governor Dean has earned the endorsement of over 110 superdelegates and has won 15 pledged delegates through the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary.

Download a complete list of dates and delegates for each state, to monitor our progress in the coming weeks. A more detailed list is available from the DNC.

Posted by Mark Sundeen at 09:37 PM
http://blog.deanforamerica.com/archives/003484.html

[MidwestMomma]

1. So Kerry has picked up 34 out of 2162 and my guy is supposed to quit?

Now I'm even more angry at CNN's NH coverage election night with their repeated statements that Clark should drop out.

Can't believe I was protesting Bush only a few months ago yelling "This is what democracy looks likes!"

Seems the definition of democracy has changed radically since then.

[Capn Sunshine]

3. It's not just Dean who is getting whacked by the media

The intentional marginalization of Gen. Clark is what I see. Not just Dean. But ALL the outsiders are getting shut down.

[blm]

9. and yet, Kerry had to PROVE the media was wrong before he gets notice

by actually winning.

Before that it was Kerry's candidacy that was declared dead for months by the media and many Dean supporters here who parroted the media at the time, gleefully posting articles that agreed.

The one thing they were able to do while promoting that perception was dry up Kerry's fundraising, which benefitted other candidates.

[Jack_Dawson]

7. Seriously - How flawed is that?

What is WRONG with people? Why give so much power to two tiny states? Why bother having primaries after February if Iowa and New Hampshire are going to write the script every four years?

Disenfranchising the whole country because the MediaWhores tell us whoever didn't win Iowa or N.H. should drop out ain't the answer.

[Capn Sunshine]

2. Yet, the media and Kerry supporters at DU insist it's all over

But now I know why crowds get hysterical of their own volition in spite of what is really happening.

I always recommend a book for people who want to know more about the stock market, but I find it's apropos here as well.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
by Charles Mackay (1841)

[Wonk]

4. Hmmm... I haven't read that yet, but I did find it online. Link here.

http://www.litrix.com/madraven/madne001.htm

[salin]

10. Wonk

do you mind if I refer to that link from time to time? The title certainly helps explain a LOT about the US and particularly the popularity of the GOP...

[ProudToBeLiberal]

5. and people were saying it was over

sheesh

[Wonk]

6. They still are. They're also conspicuously absent from this thread.

Hmmmm....

[Wonk]

8. kick

[worldgonekrazy]

11. Great info!

kick

[kaitykaity]

12. Yeah, we must bow to the anointed on.

NOT.

I have to believe that Dean still has time to recover in this thing. This info gives me something to hold onto.

Thanks. :thumbsup:

[JNelson6563]

13. kick

:kick:

[Wonk]

14. kick