Hillary team going after super delegates one by one with personalized appeals

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-superdel9feb09,0,4207348.story?page=2'

Clinton has tapped longtime advisor and operative Harold Ickes, who is quickly compiling dossiers on all uncommitted super delegates -- mapping out the lobbyists, fundraisers and friends who can make a personal appeal on Clinton's behalf.

This is very personalized, very much one-on-one," Ickes said. "We try to find people who have close personal or close political relationships with the super delegates."

The strategy worked with one DNC member from California, Rachel Binah, a retired bed-and-breakfast operator in rural Mendocino County, who had been determined to stay uncommitted after her first choice, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, dropped out of the race.

But then the phone started ringing -- first from the head of the powerful EMILY's List political action committee; then from Chelsea Clinton, the senator's daughter; and then from the senator herself. And Clinton knew that Binah cared most about the environment and about funding research for Alzheimer's, the disease that took her father.

"I was very moved about the fact she knew so much about me and about what was of concern to me," Binah said.

Playing the Democracy card. Despicable.

It shows you how desperate she is to win.

--p!

I'd be shocked if he weren't.

I am absolutely sure Obama's doing the same thing. And it sickens me. Not that each are doing it, because they have to.

But what an ugly process.

superdelegates who would support her would also be supporting the delegate count representing the votes.

On the one hand they get courted by both candidates and can do a little wheeling and dealing, if they wish.

On the other hand, they have to realize that each has got many passionate supporters of their "first of a kind" candidate. The supporters of whichever candidate arrives at the convention with the most elected delegates will feel entitled to the nomination. Perhaps they shouldn't feel entitled, but many will feel that they "played by the rules" and amassed the most elected delegates in the primaries and caucuses.

The SDs, who have the power to do anything they want according to the rules, will realize the danger of fracturing the party if they select the candidate with fewer elected delegates. The candidate undoubtedly have understood the role of the SDs. That's why they are surely courting them right now. It is democratic voters that will have to be convinced that the selection process was "fair" if this happens.

Being an undecided superdelegate must be even more fun than being a resident of the great state of Iowa in December.

I wonder how many of these superdelegates will end up as ambassadors to some place or other once the winner takes office.