Clinton hopes superdelegates make the difference

by Samuel King (king@wsbt.com)

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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., right, addresses to her supporters as her husband former President Bill Clinton looks on during her Indiana Primary

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., right, addresses to her supporters as her husband former President Bill Clinton looks on during her Indiana Primary night rally Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Indianapolis. Losing the North Carolina primary to rival Democratic hopeful Barack Obama, and edging him out by a bare two percentage points to win the Indiana Primary, Clinton was called upon Wednesday, May 7, 2008, by George McGovern, a plainspoken man who knows something about losing elections, to end her campaign for the White House. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

By WSBT News1

The dust has settled from the primary day battles. And even though one candidate came out on top in Indiana, will it matter in the long run?

Sen. Hillary Clinton narrowly won Indiana, but lost big in North Carolina. Now, she's trying to woo uncommitted superdelegates, who will likely decide who the nominee will be. Rep. Joe Donnelly of South Bend is one of those uncommitted superdelegates.

With 99 percent of Indiana precincts reporting, Clinton leads Obama by about 14,000 votes, but time is running out for Clinton in her race against Obama for the Democratic nomination.

“With his big landslide victory in North Carolina, not only is he further ahead of her in delegates, but he's also further ahead in total popular votes,” said Sean Savage, a political science professor at Saint Mary’s College. “And the remaining primaries will probably be roughly split evenly between the two.”

Now, Clinton is trying to get the superdelegates on her side. She met with some of them in Washington, D.C. after campaigning in West Virginia.

"I believe that I am the stronger candidate against John McCain, we will continue to contest these elections," Senator Clinton said.

Rep. Joe Donnelly had said he would wait until after the Indiana primary to make a decision.

“"I have not yet endorsed either candidate who is seeking the Democratic nomination,” he said Wednesday in a statement. “I do not know on what date I will endorse, but when I do, I will back the candidate I think would make the best president."

He also said a factor would be how the state voted and how the 2nd District voted. Both went for Hillary Clinton. However, St. Joseph and Elkhart counties went strongly for Obama.

Savage said that could make Donnelly's decision even more difficult.

“One thing Donnelly has to consider if he wants a long term career as a congressman from this district, does he really want to alienate the most loyal Obama voters here,” Savage said.

Obama has given Donnelly campaign contributions, but Donnelly says that will not be a factor. Even so, Savage expects Donnelly to eventually throw his support behind Obama. Party leaders want those superdelegates to make a decision by early June.

For more election headlines and voter resources, go to WSBT.com's Campaign ‘08 section.

Friday, May 9 at 7:57 AM LONELY LIBERAL wrote ...

OH WHERE OH WHERE HAS MY HILLARY GONE, OH WHERE OH WHERE CAN SHE BE? SHE'S GONE SHE'S GONE TO ANOTHER STATE OH WHY HAS SHE FORGOT ABOUT ME?

Friday, May 9 at 7:19 AM Oppion wrote ...

Its very sad to see what some people will write about others the Name calling dose not hurt any one but it childish just becouse things didnt go there way. Things happen for a reason. You need to grow up and get the Facts. We need to get this country back on track and Hillary can do that I still voting for Hillary I supporting her 150% and Good luck in the the fall to all you Obama Fans your going to need it. and try not to be so pedity.

Friday, May 9 at 12:57 AM Anonymous wrote ...

W. Virginia White people, more rural white people...or so the 5:50 PM writer wrote. But lets remember this is NOT about race. Why doesn't some one just come out and say it. If it comes down to the first female president or the first black president it aint going to be the black person. It won't. That's why McCain wll walk away with the victory come November. Clinton / Obama together? Maybe. by themselves, forget about it.

Thursday, May 8 at 5:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

W HILARY! Don't stop!

Thursday, May 8 at 5:50 PM Happy Trails Hillbilly Clinton(and MONICA!) wrote ...

She will be gone soon, in a deal where she rides off into the sunset, winning either West Virginia(more rural white people voting), or Kentucky(More Rural white people again)), then as the Superdelegates commit to Obama, a deal will be made. He will get his nomination, she gets the old people(florida) and the Michiganders seated, and credit for the victories in the two primaries. She ride off, endorsing Obama, gets one final speech at the convention, and Obama takes on Geritol man(McCain).

Thursday, May 8 at 7:52 AM bypass5 wrote ...

No one will be gratified then I will when Hill-Jack is decrared a LOSER! I get nauseated just watching the old big lie on TV. The worst thing that I see about the whole deal is that she is hurting the Democratic Party.

Thursday, May 8 at 7:13 AM ev wrote ...

eventually, kicking and screaming, she will be forced out. she is so selfish, she can't gracefully concede to make her party look better. she thinks the party revolves around her!

Wednesday, May 7 at 10:14 PM John T. wrote ...

She can't win it on her own so she need the help. Go figure.

Wednesday, May 7 at 9:39 PM Aaron wrote ...

Operation Chaos was a successful folks! Go Hillary!!

Wednesday, May 7 at 9:32 PM Sue wrote ...

I have lived long enough to know "what goes around comes around"...and I will wait patiently to watch all you Obama supporters to see "what comes around with your insipid support of this idiot" Such a sad day for American history...but only history will write this chapter

Wednesday, May 7 at 7:41 PM Todd wrote ...

No worries Boomer...she will be done soon. Could of been today, but oh well. Tim Russert this evening on NBC news did all the math on TV and there is no way she can do it. It would take 77 percent with Florida and Michigan and over 86 percent without. Obama would have to all but say he hates puppys and eat live rats on TV to loose this one now.

Wednesday, May 7 at 7:20 PM bubba clinton wrote ...

Most likely it was MCCain supporters who voted for my wife. They want to keep her in the race fighting Obama.

Wednesday, May 7 at 6:43 PM boomer954 wrote ...

it's a sad day in indiana! i didn't think the good people of indiana would be stupid enough to believe the clintons lies but i guess i was wrong!!! i guess the people of indiana has a short memory they have forgotten about all lies and back stabbing that took place under her lying two faced husband!! i guess indiana likes to see all their jobs go to mexico under nafta!!!! you better wake up people!!

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