Obscure panel may chose Democratic nominee

WASHINGTON, April 3 (UPI) -- An obscure political committee could wind up deciding who will be the Democrats' U.S. presidential nominee, party officials say.

Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York will decide the majority of the 186 people who will serve on the Convention Credentials Committee, which could have a significant effect on the election when resolving uncertainty with delegates in Florida and Michigan, The Washington Times reported Wednesday.

Twenty-five people reportedly have been appointed to the panel so far by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.

"It's too early to tell at this point -- something might happen before we get (to the convention), but if not, it's a pretty big decision to make considering how close this election is," said committee member Leila Sahar of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.

The committee, which usually has little bearing on election nominees, would be given the responsibility of handling any unresolved questions concerning the choosing of alternates and delegates, the Times reported. The committee has received increased attention this election since the Florida and Michigan Democratic officials decided in February not to hold repeat primaries.