Question About Delegates

[Vinca]

If, at the end of the primaries, Hillary leads in the delegate count, but combined, Edwards and Obama have more than her count, can they cut a deal between themselves and throw all of their delegates to one or the other, thereby denying Hillary the nomination?

[ORDagnabbit]

1. dont forget some delegates are more equal than others...

[Vinca]

2. You mean the superdelegates?? Aren't they thrown into the

general mix??

[MaineDem]

3. That's not true

Every delegate gets one vote regardless of how that delegate was chosen.

[MaineDem]

4. Quite possibly - and not only if it plays out like you suggest

Not just to stop Hillary.

[AlCzervik]

5. link---

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/

[no name no slogan]

6. Depends on whether she has enough to win on the 1st ballot

If one candidate has enough votes to lock up the nomination on the first ballot, then it doesn't matter. If not, then we have a brokered convention.

[Vinca]

7. Could Edwards or Obama turn over their delegates before the convention?

And what happens to delegates if any of them were to drop out as soon as next week? Do delegates go where instructed or do they go wherever they want? Sorry to be so dumb about this. It seems like this is the first time in a long, long time we've had a real race and I guess I haven't paid attention in the past.

[MaineDem]

8. Most pledged delegates stay with the candidate unless released by her or him

A candidate who drops out may tell his/her delegates to vote as they wish. Or they may still be bound to vote that way on the first ballot. After the first ballot most, if not all, delegates are free to chose.