Superdelegates to chose Democratic nominee

WASHINGTON, May 7 (UPI) -- With only six U.S. primaries remaining, it appears superdelegates will determine whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama is the Democrats' presidential nominee.

Some 270 undecided superdelegates currently outnumber the 217 pledged delegates available in the remaining primary contests, The Washington Times reported Wednesday.

Since neither Obama nor Clinton can win enough pledged delegates to secure the nomination, elected officials and party activists designated as superdelegates will determine the outcome, the newspaper said.

A survey of uncommitted superdelegates in Congress indicates electability will be an important factor in their decision, reports The Hill.

Of 42 lawmakers interviewed by The Hill, only four said they regarded the primary vote as being decisive.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has warned that the party will suffer if superdelegates overturn the will of primary voters.

Based on its survey, The Hill says congressional Democrats appear more concerned about electability.