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Feb 8, 2008 8:27 pm US/Pacific
Democratic Leaders Want Nominee Picked By June
Insiders Say They Don't Want Super Delegates Deciding Pick In Denver
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Democratic party leaders want to see the campaign fight between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton settled well in advance of the convention in late August.
AP, Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
There's a new wrinkle in the bitter battle for the Democratic nomination. CBS station WCBS-TV in New York has learned that party leaders are trying to find a way for the nominee to be selected early to avoid an ugly convention fight.
Both Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Hillary Clinton, D- N.Y., draw crowds at every campaign rally they hold, and the last thing party leaders want to see is the fight between the two last until the party's convention in late August.
"The super delegates from all across the country go to the convention as unpledged delegates," New York Democratic Party Chairwoman June O'Neil said.
Party leaders told WCBS they want the nominee picked by June. They want to avoid a scenario where super delegates - nearly 800 party leaders and elected officials - pick the nominee.
"At this point, they're pledged to Hillary, but if it comes that time and we get to the convention and it's like Obama is a better candidate, do they switch for the better thing for party or not?" said New Jersey Senate Majority leader Richard Codey, one of the super delegates.
All 50 states have the same dilemma as New Jersey.
"It would be problematic for the political insiders to overturn the judgment of the voters," Obama said during a recent campaign stop.
All this comes as new questions are being raised about Clinton's finances. The New York senator recently admitted to loaning her campaign $5 million of her own money.
As a counterpunch, Obama demanded that Clinton release her tax returns just like he has. So far, she won't.
Pundits say that's a problem for Clinton.
"Now they're in a pretty even match - a slugfest - and they can't trap their opponent on the ropes," said Bill Cunningham of Dan Klores Communications. "It's like watching a slugger trying to get Muhammad Ali on the ropes. He keeps dancing away and throwing off his own jabs."
Both candidates face contests Saturday in Louisiana, Washington, Nebraska, and Kansas, which should only intensify their rivalry. Sources tell WCBS that party delegates are looking for a solution to seating delegates from Michigan and Florida, and that there might have to be new elections.
