Well, the wiki doesn't work here, though I can get most of its content from Answers.com. I was trying to find out about the Dem convention delegates, not the electoral college.

I didn't really understand the notion of independents can vote in a primary but only if they register with a party. Though I do recall one or more states allowed you to register with a party when you voted (if you hadn't previously been committed). Is that what you refer to?

Though I'm not known for over-the-top partisanship (registered Indep.) I think Hilary is kind of a bitch. Not that she can't be an effective bitch.

I'm wondering if we could end up with a Reservoir Dogs thing where Obama and Clinton go at each other, and just Edwards is left standing in the later primaries. Hope not.

Billy--- you keep claiming to have been a supporter of the Clintons, of Hillary - when was this? for months and months on this forum I've only seen repeated criticisms of both by you. Are you referring to the 1990's ?

I was certainly not against Hillary as New York senator.

I think she's honestly dishonest in the way most politicians are but Obama is not.

LW, the number of electoral delegates is fixed according to the number of congress-people, (who are apportioned to the states based on the census count of population).

But for the party delegates in the primaries, I'm pretty sure the national party committees are unrestricted and can decide on whatever total number they want. I seem to recall the Dem total being far greater than the GOP. Whereas, the electoral system is a winner take all approach (though rarely a committed delegate rebels), I believe that each state can decide how to apportion primary party delegates (winner take all, percentage-wise or some other means).

This is all from hazy memory, but I believe there was one state which allows its electoral delegates to be split (could this be Nebraska?). And not too long ago some California GOPers were trying to get a ballot initiative to allow Cali to apportion electoral votes. A pretty naked grab for electoral votes in a state which has been solidly Dem for some time now. I think it was adjudged that an initiative wasn't enough/proper and that only amending the state constitution would allow such to occur. Again, hazy memory at work.

I think there is often a strong overlap between primary and electoral delegates, because these are the partisan hacks and movers who are trusted and known.

B: I was in the White House for eight years and am familiar with just about every damn thing that goes on there.

This assertion was questioned heartily in a huge NYTimes feature a couple of weeks ago. She was barely in any loop, much less THE loop.