Could a candidate win the nomination without winning a single state?

[absyntheNsugar]

Let's just say a candidate wins a majority of delegates...but fails to win a single state completely.

Could that candidate win the nomination?

[MercutioATC]

1. Yes. If no candidate has enough delegates by the convention, it's all

up for grabs. If Kerry is just one delegate short, the other candidates' delegates could vote as a bloc and nominate Sharpton.

[arewethereyet]

2. only if the wins are spread across a wide variety of other candidates

and the one guy is a close enough 2nd everywhere to get near even splits on the delegates.

In other words, no. All the conditions are not present this time out.

[Leilani]

3. Technically, I believe so

But the Super Delegates would step in, & make sure it never happens.

[Tweed]

4. That's what Dennis expects to happen

He said that he will win the primary because it will be a brokered one and everyone will decide to have a real Democrat run and elect him.

[liberty rising]

11. Kucinich=Real Democrat

Yes, Tweed,
That's what Dennis said, and that's what may very well happen.....
never say never...


Liberty Rising

[newyawker99]

14. Hi liberty rising!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[9119495]

5. He or she would need to get 15% or more consistently in each state.

[MercutioATC]

9. Not so. (read post #1)

[HFishbine]

6. Absolutely

And even more possible with a crowded field.

[absyntheNsugar]

7. Im thinking some other scenario

Lets say Kerry wins some states, and Edwards wins some states, and Clark wins several more. Dean does not win a single state.

However, Dean comes in second in many of the races - enough to rack up a majority of delegates.

[MercutioATC]

8. Again, even Sharpton (not picking on him) could win. It's all about

the convention (if it comes to that). If nobody has enough delegates by the convention, anything could happen.

[Renew Deal]

10. A candidate can win without even running

That's what the convention is for.

[ajacobson]

12. Historically this has happened

Humphrey entered the race too late for the primaries in 1968. Obviously there were so many unique factors in that situation, makes it unlikely to happen again. It's possible though, I think (i.e. no party rules preventing a nomination of a new candidate after a first nomination ballot, releasing pledged delegates).

[mzmolly]

13. Yep.

:)