Probably stupid question: What happens to Clark's 100-odd delegates?

[Robb]

...now that he's bowing out? :shrug:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. They're free to support whomever they want.

This was true even before he dropped. That's why when you select a delegate(in caucus) you should try to pick a hardcore supporter.

[goodhue]

2. depends on the state

some will be able to realign.

Please realize that most of these delagtes were merely projected and would still need to have been selected at state conventions that have not yet happened.

[DaBigJagov]

4. Really??

I ddin't know that. I thought that was the reason for the primaries, and "committed' and 'uncommitted' delegates.

[DaBigJagov]

3. My guess.....

... is that they are committed to him through the first ballot at the convention and may switch AFTER that first ballot. I don't remember a convention that went past the first ballot. Sen. Kerry will probably win on the first ballot. If not, Gen Clark will implore his delegates to support Kerry on the second ballot in a show of party unity.

[goodhue]

5. the problem with your guess

is that you appear to suggest that such delegates already exist and will in fact be going to the national convention. In fact, most national delegates have note yet been selected even in states that have already had primaries/caucuses. Delegate counts in media are merely projections.

A perfect example is the Gephardt delegates in Iowa. They were elected to county conventions at which they can realign, and then could be elected to a state conventions at which they can again realign. Most national delegates are not selected until May or June.

[cosmicdot]

6. I would suspect they go to the convention, and cast the vote for Wes

... if there's a 2nd vote, they're likely released ...

I suppose that gives some reason to participate in 'who' serves as delegates regardless of the process used: primary v. caucus or combo of both ...

I would prefer to have a Clark delegate who leans toward Kucinich because I'm for Dennis. That way if there's any floor-politicking during state caucuses and such ... my voice may be a little stronger ...

I actually submitted an application to be a delegate, but canceled it ... the reality that it would take $2000 just to go to the state convention sunk in ... I can't even afford the dental concerns facing me ... the reality: I can't afford to participate in our democracy ... it's cost prohibitive ...

I hope there are some rule debates at the national convention:

re delegate selection;
re-discuss the need for super-delegates (kind of like stacking the deck in advance);
communication issues between citizen and Congress and Party;
campaign financing, etc.

the party made some major changes in 1972 ... it was the new infrastructure which Jimmy Carter used so well in 1976 with his grassroots campaign and green Carter-Mondale signs ...

I don't think the same rules are in play, or if they are, they've been pre-empted by people who love to mingle and schmooze ... a modern-day back-smoke-filled-room, but a bit more diverse and open about it ...

[SahaleArm]

7. I'm going to the LD/CD convention uncommitted...

Even through the state level there will be caucuses to see who goes to the next level.

[goodhue]

8. okay which state has already selected its delegate slate?

Iowa for example has county conventions on March 13, district conventions April 24, and a state convention June 12. At the state convention on June 12 it is very unlikley that any Gephardt delegates would be sent to national.

Oklahoma by contrast has its state party convention on February 21 at which delegates will be selected to national convention. It will be interesting to see how Clark's dropping out affects this selection.

The point is that by dropping out now Clark is not likely to have many delegates if any going to national convention. In order to have any delegates at convention, candidates would be well advised to stay in race until convention a la Jackson in 88 or Brown in 92.

[cosmicdot]

9. California Dems just had their district level causus to select delegates

for the Sacramento meeting, which occurs, I believe, after the March primary, in April, from where the National delegation is determined.

[MGKrebs]

10. In Oklahoma, it looks like they go to the Nat'l. Convention

as Clark delegates.

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P04/DSP/OK-D.doc

"a. The State Democratic Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than 5:00 p.m. January 23, 2004, a list of all persons who have filed for delegate or alternate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rules 11.D. & 11.F.)
b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must then file with the State Democratic Chair by 4:00 p.m. February 20, 2004, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved.
Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate and alternate candidates submitted…"

"The Oklahoma presidential primary election is a binding primary. Accordingly, delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated so as to fairly reflect the expressed presidential preference of the primary voters in each district."