Superdelegates' backing could come fast

Published: June 3, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Senate hears update of Iraq war situation in Washington

WASHINGTON, June 3 (UPI) -- Key Democratic senators say results from primaries in South Dakota and Montana could nudge some uncommitted superdelegates into committing -- quickly

The uncommitted bloc wants the Democratic presidential candidate "locked up sooner rather than later," still-uncommitted Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa told the Politico. "Let's have the nominee and let's move on. That's the common thread among the uncommitted superdelegates. ... I will be ready after (Tuesday) night."

While the total number of delegates from the two primaries won't push Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois across the 2,118 threshold to cinch the nomination, supporters say enough uncommitted superdelegates indicated they would back Obama, giving him the required number.

"I've spoken to 10 uncommitteds, and they've said yes, they'll be committing (to Obama), and they'll be committing sometime (Tuesday)," said Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri.

At least one superdelegate, Sen Carl Levin of Michigan, said he's won't commit because he wants the state's delegation seated at the convention with full votes. The Democratic National Committee's rules committee decided to seat Michigan's delegation, but each delegate -- including superdelegates -- will only receive a half vote. The DNC punished Michigan and Florida for moving their primaries.

"I'm sticking to it," he said.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Watercooler Stories (20 min)
Jockstrip: The world as we know it. (50 min)
Your Daily Horoscope
The almanac
NBA: Golden State 126, Indiana 107
Researchers identity heart attack trigger
Littell wins 'bad sex' literary award
fark
Dancing queen attending the "World's Largest Disco" Saturday night spills his beer on a man. Tries...
Former Miss Argentina dies from cosmetic buttocks surgery - and she thought all her problems were...
Tiger charges at photographer. OH SNAP (w/ amazing picture)
North Korea sharply revalues currency. With the new exchange rate, it will now take two wons to...
Owner of the Three Stooges Deli moidered
Photoshop this levitating soccer player