Comments on: Governor Eliot Spitzer's Superdelegate Vote...

Question: Governor Eliot Spitzer's Superdelegate Vote...

NYScott — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:46:38 -0800

NY Governor Eliot Spitzer's superdelegate vote: what happens to it if/when he resigns? Eliot "Client 9" Spitzer pledged his superdelegate vote for Clinton, but with his impending indictment, he may be forced to resign. What will happen to his vote? Is someone else selected (by the DNC, presumably) to take over the vote? Is the vote nullified?

By: iamabot

iamabot — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:51:41 -0800

The Lt Governor, who would be replacing him if he resigns has already endorsed Clinton.

Assuming that the superdelegate voting seat follows he position, there's your answer.

By: Ironmouth

Ironmouth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:53:02 -0800

Lt. Governor David Paterson would become governor and presumably be the holder of the vote. He has endorsed Hillary. However, he is African-American and said to be a less than enthusiastic supporter of her. Presumably he endorsed her because his boss did.

By: mumkin

mumkin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:05:02 -0800

Ah, but Paterson is already an at-large superdelegate. So, if he becomes the governor of NY, and thus a gubernatorial superdelegate, it's possible that his current at-large position would go to someone else in the DNC. Mind you, I'd expect the party to choose a Clinton loyalist if it could.

By: goodnewsfortheinsane

goodnewsfortheinsane — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:11:48 -0800

Technically, whoever's the NY Gov has superdelegate status, so if Paterson succeeds Spitzer he gets Spitzer's vote.

As for his existing superdelegate status: if he decides to hold his position at the DNC, the number of superdelegates simply shrinks by one. If he relinquishes it, the DNC may appoint a new superdelegate. Dem Con Watch explains.

By: goodnewsfortheinsane

goodnewsfortheinsane — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:12:47 -0800

Or, what mumkin said.

By: oneirodynia

oneirodynia — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:33:17 -0800

Is the vote nullified?

I'm not sure I understand this part of the question- they haven't voted yet. spitzer may have supported Clinton, but super delegates are by definition "unpledged", and can change their endorsement, refuse to divulge, or support someone who's not even running.

By: notjustfoxybrown

notjustfoxybrown — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:43:38 -0800

However, he is African-American and said to be a less than enthusiastic supporter of her.

Is that because he's African-American or because he's smart? Please, let's dispense with this "all black people are supporting Obama just because he's black" stuff.

Here's a bit more on David Patterson from the Huffington Post.