The Democratic Party superdelegates are free to vote as they desire. These individuals are elected officials as well as lobbyists and represent approximately 15% of the delegates allocated to attend the National Convention. Concern has arisen that the superdelegates will vote for a candidate not matching the state’s popular vote during the primary contests.
The DNC allocated five superdelegates to the state of Maine. However, Maine Democrats this Saturday voted to change the state party rules in regards to superdelegates based on an amendment put forth by Rep. Diane Russell, D-Portland. The amendment requires Maine’s five Democratic superdelegates in the year 2020 to be bound to represent the state caucus results.
Bernie Sanders won the Maine Democratic caucuses by 63 percent, however, most of the superdelegates are supporting Hillary Clinton.
According to the Portland News Herald:
Three of Maine’s superdelegates – U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, state party Vice Chairwoman Peggie Schaffer of Vassalboro and Democratic National Committee member Maggie Allen of Madison – are Clinton supporters, while former state Sen. Troy Jackson of Allagash is helping lead Sanders’ campaign in Maine. The fifth superdelegate, Maine Democratic Party chairman Phil Bartlett, is uncommitted.
“The third thing that it does is it directs our national committee members to go ahead and work at the national level to eliminate the superdelegate system once and for all,” said state Rep. Diane Russell, D-Portland. “We will never get to a fair economy that works for everyone if we do not have a fair election system that works for everyone.”
While the change won’t take effect until the next presidential election, many rank and file members are urging this year’s superdelegates to reflect the change now.
References
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/politics/elections/maine-democrats-vote-to-bind-superdelegates-in-2020/179419470
http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/maine_democrats_change_superdelegate_system_in_single_vote_20160507