I. Stein for Clinton

This just arrived in my inbox a few moments ago (I'm a member of the Tompkins County Democratic committee and a member of the Dryden Democratic Committee) and I thought I'd share this with the world. It is from Irene Stein, democratic superdelegate from Ithaca, NY, Tompkins County Democratic Committee Chair, and friend of the blog.

Dear Committee Member,

As many of you know, I am a superdelegate to the Democratic National Committee.  I have not made a commitment up until this moment, but now wish to do so.   I wanted to let you know directly of my decision before releasing it to the media.

This has been the most difficult political decision I have ever had to make in my entire career.  Before telling you of my decision, let me list the factors that went into it.

First, we have two superb candidates. Either would make a magnificent president.  However, in my judgment, given all the available data, it is not clear that either of them has a lock on victory over John McCain. Given the overwhelming importance of the outcome in November, I have been consistent in saying that I would make my decision on the basis of which candidate I believe to be stronger against John McCain.

Secondly, our county voted by a strong majority for Barack Obama in the Democratic Primary.  On the other hand, the New York State Democratic Committee, who elected me to my position, seems to be overwhelmingly for Senator Clinton, as is our State's delegation to the convention.

Thirdly, I am aware of the very strong sense of disappointment, and in many cases anger, with Sen. Clinton's vote in the crucial Senate vote on the Iraq war that pervades the Tompkins County Democratic Committee. Furthermore, I personally share those feelings.

Fourth, I have received scores of e-mails, letters, and direct comments pointing out reasons why I should support one or the other of our candidates. In addition, I have read many articles and followed many analyses of the votes cast in the primaries

Fifth, the closeness of both the delegate vote and the popular vote in the Democratic primaries and caucuses throughout the nation shows that party is almost evenly split in their choice of a candidate.

Sixth, presidential elections are not decided by the popular vote as we know all too well from the disastrous first George W. Bush election. They are decided by votes cast in the Electoral College.  I have been following polling data  of voters on a state by state basis, and I am seeing a consistent picture of Hillary Clinton's very solid lead over John McCain, while Barack Obama is ahead only narrowly at best. She wins in enough swing states that we have been losing to solidly and clearly win the election.  I know that polling data is but a snapshot in time, but it is reinforced by exit poll analysis in many of the swing states.

Superdelegates are appointed by the Democratic State parties long in advance of the primaries, and even before it is known whom the candidates will be.  The one attribute they all share is actual experience in local, statewide or national politics.  They are given the solemn role of using their best judgment as to who will be the best candidate for the Party and the Nation. I believe that having Hillary Clinton as our nominee will give us our best shot at winning the election and reversing the Bush-McCain policies that continue the economic, social and foreign policies that now afflict our nation.  I will cast my vote for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.

It appears that chairperson Stein has opted to choose Senator Clinton out of reverence to the state party and because of electability. Senator Clinton will represent New York for the next four years, either as senator or president, and cya applies heavily to members of the delegation. As far as electability - I believe John Kerry was more electable than Howard Dean. That didn't turn out so swell for democrats. We'll have to see what the other 300 supers do in the next few days and weeks and month to see how much this endorsement and this one delegate vote will matter.

--

I originally posted this around 10:30pm on Sunday, June 1st, but was asked around 9am on Monday, June 2nd to hide this post until 1pm. The chairperson wanted to give Tompkins County Democratic Committee members first dibs on hearing this directly from her - - before they found out from the media (or blogs).

Comments

[Dave]

As a followup, I was sent an email this morning, around 10am with the announcement - from someone who I don't think is on the committee - and is publically an Obama supporter. Someone else from the 100+ person committee leaked the news too...

[Chris]

There's a reason Republicans around the country are praying for Clinton to be successful... She hasn't a prayer against McCain. Why is Rush Limbaugh suddenly urging his listeners to vote for her in open primaries?

That aside, I am confident Obama represents the future, Clinton a cloudy (at best) past. Watching her pander and bluster through this campaign soured me completely on her, despite my support of her efforts as my Senator.

The fact that Stein chooses to ignore the popular vote winner in her own county shows that the corrupting influence of the Clintons bears bitter fruit everywhere it touches...

Thankfully none of this will matter by the end of this week, which is of course the real reason Stein waited to make her choice known. Since her vote is meaningless (Hillary will drop out within a week), she can put her chips where they will do her personal career the most good.

It's hard not to be cynical when faced with this kind of thing.

So here's to the future: Let's get together behind the one candidate who can galvanize the country for positive change, Barack Obama.

[KAZ]

"Personal career?" She's 77!

[Dave Makar]

Perhaps we could look at it this way - - Hillary (who will be representing Tompkins County for at least the next 4 years in some form) will thank Irene and looking kindly on Tompkins County via her superdelegate support - - and Obama will thank Tompkins County and look kindly for the primary support. In a way, she took one for the long term for the county, hedging perhaps, but helping with the county relationship with Clinton (and with the county relationship with the State Democratic Party).

[bumble bees control]

Hi, Are you well?

It is a great post and a great idea. Always I wanted to jazz up the icons on my websites a little. It has some important idea. This is very nice post! I will bookmark this blog. Find Bumble Bee Control products at Pest Mall. Learn how to get rid of bumble bees like a professional. Rely on us for all your bumble bees control,kill bumble bees needs.

Thanks For Only You Create That cute Article.