Extended race great news for Puerto Rico (63 Democratic delegates)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/05/11/2008-05-11_extended_race_great_news_for_puerto_rico-3.html

Sunday, May 11th 2008, 4:00 AM


Bill Clinton stumps for his wife in San Juan last month as he poses with employees of Puerto Rican Capitol building.

SAN JUAN - Retired schoolteacher Ana Canaval and a few dozen women gathered at Hillary Clinton headquarters recently to plan for Puerto Rico's June 1 presidential primary.

After Clinton's disappointing showings in Indiana and North Carolina last week, the all-women volunteer group scoffed at calls for her to quit. They confidently predicted she'd win a majority of Puerto Rico's 63 Democratic delegates.

"In an election, you count every vote, and that means our votes here, too," Canaval said. "Hillary has always stood by Puerto Rico, and we'll stand by her to the end."

Sen. Lucy Arce reminded them that Clinton, as First Lady, visited the island twice after the devastating Hurricane Georges in 1998. She returned to support jailed leaders of the protests against the Navy's bombardment of Vieques.

Not since those Vieques protests has Puerto Rico received so much attention from Washington politicians and the mainland media.

Islanders cannot vote in the presidential election, but they cast ballots in party primaries. And with 4 million people, Puerto Rico boasts a Democratic delegation bigger than half the states.

The tight Democratic race has produced a major victory for island residents. Barack Obama and Clinton made unprecedented promises to voters. Bill and Chelsea Clinton have campaigned here, and Michelle Obama is expected this week.

The longer the nomination battle lasts, the more Puerto Rico will benefit, say backers of both candidates.

FULL story at link.

[AllentownJake]

1. I don't like them voting

They constantly vote not to become a state and cost us two senators and a couple house members every year.

They want to be a state pony up to the table and help the country. Enough of this territory nonsense.

Before you flame me they can become a state at anytime by a vote of the populace. They don't therefore not helping us in Congress or in the Electoral College.

[MercutioATC]

2. Correct me if I'm wrong, but PR votes in the primary, but gets no delegates n the GE.

Yeah, they're a U.S. territory or protectorate or whatever...but why do we care what PR thinks?

Yes, this comes off as an obnoxious statement, but a vote from the Netherlands is just as valid....