Is it possible for a candidate to step down and give his delegates to someone else?

[nebula]

Namely, John Edwards?

Just curious. What would happen in the event that a candidate drops out
in the middle of a primary election race, for whatever reason? Would it be possible
to transfer his delegates to a replacement of his choosing?

I'm thinking Obama would have to eventually drop out of the race in order to save our chances in the GE, but Hillary is totally unelectable. What other options are available?

[sfam]

1. Yes, they can "release" them...The Man from Mass did this on the repub side. nt

[housewolf]

2. self-delete

posted in error to the wrong message

[housewolf]

3. Yes, Edwards can choose to make an endorsement

and then his delegates go to whoever he endorsed. If he doesn't endorse before the convention, his delegates are pledged to vote for him on the first ballot but may vote for someone else on the second ballot.

He might also be able to just release his delegates and then they can vote for whoever they want... but I'm not sure on this point.

[nebula]

4. So is it possible

I know this question may be confusing, but bear with me. This is strictly a hypothetical scenario/question.

Let's say Obama decides to drop out of this primary race before the convention, in order to 'spend more time with his family.' Would it be possible for Obama to choose a replacement? Say, John Edwards, or perhaps even Al Gore? If so, would that replacement or successor inherit Obama's delegates?

edit: Or, if Obama drops out, would Hillary automatically become the nominee?

[housewolf]

5. If Obama decided to drop out before the convention, he would have a choice

he could turn over his delegates to someone who is still a candidate (and I believe Edwards only "suspended" his campaign rather than ending it so he would qualify) by endorsing someone. Al Gore wouldn't qualify prior to the convention because he hasn't been a declared candidate this year. Or Obama could hold the delegates through the first vote of the convention and then either release them to vote for who they choose or make a deal to endorse someone else at that point and turn the delegates over.

So the answer to your question is "yes", provided it's someone like Edwards who is technically still a candidate.

[nebula]

6. Good to hear that, thanks.

[anonymous171]

7. If Obama drops out he should give all of his delegates to Kucinich.

Just to fuck with everyone.

[redqueen]

8. .

:rofl:

:thumbsup:

[nebula]

9. give them to Gravel.

that would be somewhat amusing. :evilgrin:

[nebula]

10. Kucinich/Gravel '08

now there's a winning ticket!

[DemBones DemBones]

12. Finally, a nominee I could really support! DK is the Best!

:kick:

[TahitiNut]

13. Such an endorsement would surely increase my respect for Obama.

I doubt my respect for Clinton can be salvaged, though. :shrug:

[mohc]

11. Obama could ask his delegates to support someone else

But that does not mean he can mandate that they vote for that person. Pledged delegates are technically free to vote for anyone they want, so Obama can not even force his pledged delegates to vote for him let alone someone else. The pledged delegates are however effectively chosen by the campaign before each primary where they are elected, so these are very loyal supporters. This means they are very unlikely to vote against their candidate, but I do not know how loyal they would be to a request from the candidate to vote for someone else. They would probably vote their conscience in such a situation.