The Paterson Effect -- New York

[webfusion]

Elliot Spitzer was a superdelegate, and he's out.

Will the incoming Governor of New York State, Mr David Paterson, now lend his support to front-running Candidate Obama?
(and he'll have plenty of opportunity, with his new high-visibility media profile)

If Hillary doesn't even get the nod from her own State Chief Executive Officer, is that a deal-breaker for the entire superdelegate list, and they'll go along with Paterson's lead?

Does anyone know where Paterson stands regarding Mr Obama?

[BPSCG]

Elliot Spitzer was a superdelegate, and he's out.

Will the incoming Governor of New York State, Mr David Paterson, now lend his support to front-running Candidate Obama?
(and he'll have plenty of opportunity, with his new high-visibility media profile)

If Hillary doesn't even get the nod from her own State Chief Executive Officer, is that a deal-breaker for the entire superdelegate list, and they'll go along with Paterson's lead?

Does anyone know where Paterson stands regarding Mr Obama?He's pledged to Clinton (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88154036).

[Jaggy Bunnet]

Will there be a new super-delegate when a replacements is appointed for Mr Paterson's previous role?

[Spindrift]

Will there be a new super-delegate when a replacements is appointed for Mr Paterson's previous role?

No. New York does not replace the Lt. Gov. The Senate Majority leader, a Republican, is the acting Lt. Gov and does not give up his current position.

So there is basically one less super-delegate.

[Jaggy Bunnet]

No. New York does not replace the Lt. Gov. The Senate Majority leader, a Republican, is the acting Lt. Gov and does not give up his current position.

So there is basically one less super-delegate.

Thanks.

Although I was kind of hoping that there would be an election to pick his replacement - 6 weeks is too long to wait for the next primary.

[mortimer]

Are we sure Spitzer loses his super delegate status?

[Spindrift]

Are we sure Spitzer loses his super delegate status?

Yes. He had it because he was Governor, since he's no longer governor he's no longer super. Being Client9 may get one the Swedish house maid treatment but it doesn't get you superdelegate status.

ETA: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88154036

[Rob Lister]

Are we sure Spitzer loses his super delegate status?

nope.

[mortimer]

Guess I shoulda read Beeps' link. :boggled: Thanks.

[webfusion]

He's pledged to Clinton (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88154036).


OK, but the rule states that the superdelegates can actually go with whoever they wish to, ultimately.
My question still stands -- now that he's Governor (and not beholden to his previous boss) and as he sees the clock ticking against Mrs Clinton, is it reasonable to think that he'll move ahead and proclaim that his actual preference is Obama?

What I would like to know is, does he actually support Clinton, or was it only a matter of internal politics, and he just went along with Elliot Spitzer?


By the way, if he resigns as head of the Democratic Party in NY, that would open up this position (which he currently holds) for another superdelegate.

[BPSCG]

OK, but the rule states that the superdelegates can actually go with whoever they wish to, ultimately.
My question still stands -- now that he's Governor (and not beholden to his previous boss) and as he sees the clock ticking against Mrs Clinton, is it reasonable to think that he'll move ahead and proclaim that his actual preference is Obama? Sir, are you impugning the integrity of the new Governor of the Empire State of New York? Are you saying a politician's pledge might not be binding?

Are you saying he might be a liar, sir?

[/sarcasm]

[webfusion]

Sir, are you impugning the integrity of the new Governor of the Empire State of New York? Are you saying a politician's pledge might not be binding?

Are you saying he might be a liar, sir?

[/sarcasm]

:)

Liar? Not at all. He was going along with the NY Democrats in giving the Senator from NY a local prop-up. Peterson's ex-boss is now out, and he is his own man.

As the boss (both as Governor, and NY Democratic Party leader) certainly he might wish to reconsider --- especially in light of what appears will be an Obama request for the undeclared superdelegates to throw their collective weight behind him, prior to the August Convention.

After the PA primary (April 22) we'll see how Gov Paterson aligns himself.

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/

[Jeff Corey]

My guess is that he will support Clinton. Reasons?
Support your state. NY is getting screwed on tax$ inflow/outflow.
Man has a rep as honorable. Switching would be seen as pandering to the Sharpless crowd. Piss me and other commie atheist libertarians off. Not that we would vote for the Keating 7 guy.

[marksman]

I see nothing to indicate that Paterson is secretly an Obama supporter. Why on Earth do you think Paterson is going to abandon Clinton?

[timhau]

I see nothing to indicate that Paterson is secretly an Obama supporter. Why on Earth do you think Paterson is going to abandon Clinton?

Because someone told him he's black. :duck: