I was going to post this in the General group, but lately I am convinced that the brain-cell count is short of optimal. Here is the link to the DNC's 2008 OFFICIAL Convention Rules. It includes the details for calculating delegate apportionment both pledged and super. Appendix B has a state by state breakdown.
http://www.opportunityforgeorgia.com/2008%20DNC%20Call%20to%20the%20Convention.pdf------------------------------
With the unpledged delegate count nearly 20% of the total, it would appear that a front runner would need about 40% of the pledged delegates to win a first round nomination. I may be off on this but let's sau Hillary recieved 40% of the popular vote in all primaries, caucuses etc. She would then need slightly more than half of the unpledged(these are DNC members, Congressmen, Govenors, and worthy individuals...now you see the need and value of those odd and obscure endorsements by congressmen who aren't even known in their own districts). But if her total was less than that critical 40%(?) then it would be highly likely that some old fashioned backroom politicking might deadlock the convention and force the necessity of drafting a non-running candidate or a very dark horse in order to get enough compromise votes to elect a nominee as the parties choice for the general.
I will say hear and now, do not waste your time telling me what an idiot I am, and that I know nothing blah, blah blah. Simply post your corrections. This is meant to become a rarity of sorts, a useable reference. Please help that effort and not simply veer it off into never never land.
Thank you