Who are Texas' Super Delegates?

[PDittie]

I was assisted in discovering the answer this morning.

The full list includes former Presidents and Vice Presidents, Senators, Representatives, DNC members and the nebulous 'other'. For Texas they include the following, followed by a short bio and their presidential endorsement if known:

Al Green (Obama)
Charlie Gonzalez
Chet Edwards
Ciro Rodriguez
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Former Speaker Jim Wright
Gene Green (Clinton)
Henry Cuellar (Clinton)
Lloyd Doggett
Nick Lampson
Ruben Hinojosa (Clinton)
Sheila Jackson Lee (Clinton)
Solomon Ortiz (Clinton)
Silvestre Reyes (Clinton)

http://superdelegates.org/Representatives

(Silvestre Reyes was left off that list, a rather glaring error.)

Also Texas DNC members...

Boyd Richie - TX Chair
Roy LaVerne Brooks - TX Vice Chair
Hon. Yvonne Davis
Hon. Al Edwards (former incumbent and current challenger for HD-146)
Norma Fisher Flores
Jaime Gonzalez Jr.
David Holmes
John Patrick
Betty Richie (wife of ... well, you know.)
Bob Slagle

And at-large DNC members ...

Sue Lovell (Houston city councilwoman, Clinton)
Senfronia Thompson (Houston-area state representative, Clinton)
Robert Martinez
Denise Johnson (Clinton)
Bob Strauss (former DNC chair)
David Hardt (Young Democrats of America)

http://superdelegates.org/DNC_Members

Also not on that list, but appearing in http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html">this list of endorsements are:

Moses Mercado (Obama)

Mercado's identifying state is elsewhere listed in the comments as IL. I'm not sure if he's a Texan or not. So the total number here is thirty if we don't include Mercado.

I'll update this listing with endorsements in the comments as things go along, and if I missed anybody please let me know. Also add any biographical data that you know of.

[NoPasaran]

1. The Delegate Selection Plan on the TDP website shows

A total of thirty-two Unpledged Automatic Delegates (superdelegates}plus three Unpledged Add-On Delegates (superduper delegates?) I'm not sure who should be added to your list, however.

[PDittie]

2. Former Speaker Wright for Hillary

Bill and Hillary Clinton have been politically active in Texas since 1972 and have maintained a network of politicians, including former Land Commissioner Garry Mauro and former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros. Former House Speaker Jim Wright endorsed her Tuesday.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5517008.html

[sonias]

3. Other than the DNC members

I don't like the idea of super-delegates at all. Why should their vote count more than the people's vote? I'm only cutting the DNC members slack because they get elected the the voters from all over Texas and do work for the party as volunteers.

I can not believe Al Edwards is still an DNC member - whoops!

Sonia

[sonias]

4. How the Texas Primary works

Lone Star Project's Report on how the Texas Primary will work. We need all the information we can get our hands on.

Lone Star Project story 2/6/08
Super Tuesday Winner: Texas Democrats
Super Tuesday Losers: Texas Republican Leaders
(snip)
How Does the Texas Primary Work?
Texas will send a total of 228 delegates to the Democratic National Convention. 126 delegates will be assigned based on primary results in 31 State Senate Districts (instead of allocating delegates by its 32 Congressional Districts like many states). The number of delegates in each Senate district varies based on previous Democratic turnout in the last two general elections. The delegates from each Senate District are assigned to candidates proportionally based on the percentages they receive on primary day.

Of the remaining 102 delegates, 67 are determined through a convention process that begins at precinct conventions (caucuses) on the night of March 4 and culminates with delegate allocation based on each candidate's delegate strength at the State Convention on June 6-8. Of those 67 delegates, 42 are "at large" rank and file delegates and 25 are pledged party leaders, legislators, and local elected officials.

The remaing 35 delegates are "unpledged" delegates, including 32 so-called "superdelegates" who are DNC Members, Members of Congress, a former House Speaker and a former DNC Chair. Three other delegate slots are reserved for highly-honored state Democrats, such as respected former officeholders.

Much more at the link above.

Sonia

[WolverineDG]

5. No fake!

Who knew the 2006 convention was just on-the-job training for the 2008. :crazy:

dg

[cloudbase]

6. Moses Mercado

used to be on Gene Green's staff.



Of course, so was Carol Alvarado. They don't all turn out right.

[art3]

7. Many More Here-Bensten,Green,Radnofsky

a good list here of endorsees with a few big misses. rep ellen cohen endorsed hillary months ago. barbara radnofsky was one of hillary's first tx supporters. cong bentsen has endorsed hillary in the hou chron. also gene green just backed her.
http://capitolannex.com/2008/02/05/texas-presidential-primary-endorsements-who-has-endorsed-who-is-up-for-grabs/

[PDittie]

9. Mercado makes 31, then

Then there are four more superdelegates (according to No Pasaran above) whose names I cannot find. Anybody know?

[NoPasaran]

11. Three of those are the add-on unpledged delegates elected at the convention

Also, David Holmes has announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the DNC, so he will not be a superdelegate.

[PDittie]

8. Cong. EB Johnson for Obama

“Almost two years ago, I endorsed John Edwards before any Democratic candidates declared their candidacy.” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I remained loyal to that commitment until he left the race.” ...

“I respect both candidates very much, and I have known Senator Clinton for a very long time,” said Johnson, “but because Senator Obama has been able to generate new interest among young bright minds, I am endorsing Senator Obama.”

http://dallassouthblog.com/2008/02/06/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-endorses-barack-obama-for-president

No offense intended to supporters of either candidate, but I would appreciate it if this thread were used just for endorsements by superdelegates only, please.

[crispini]

19. Well, well, well, I am surprised!

I love Congresswoman Johnson -- she's my congresswoman -- but I have always thought her a wee bit on the "traditional" side. Apparently not!

Go Congresswoman!

[PDittie]

10. Linda Chavez-Thompson makes #32

shows up on another listing of superdelegates:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Chavez-Thompson

Likely an "emeritus" designation for her past lengthy service. No endorsement indicated.

[sonias]

12. Senfronia is backing Obama

I just read the press release for the Houstons for Obama volunteer center, dated Feb. 6th, and they list Senfronia as a supporter of Obama. Either she's switched or the initial reporting was an error. (you have to download the press release to read it. Word doc.

Houston for Obama
The leadership of Houston has shown tremendous support for Senator Obama. The following elected officials have endorsed Senator Obama’s candidacy for President: U.S. Congressman Al Green, Texas State Sentor Rodney Ellis, Texas State Representative Alma Allen, Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman, Texas State Representative Senfronia Thompson, Houston City Councilman Peter Brown, Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson, At-Large Houston city Councilman Ron Green, former City Councilwoman Ada Edwards, and Precinct Judge Clara Caldwell.

Sonia

[sonias]

13. Democratic superdelegates, many unpledged, being wooed by Clinton, Obama.

AAS article 2/7/08

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Texas voters welcoming chance to hold sway in presidential nominations frays
Democratic superdelegates, many unpledged, being wooed by Clinton, Obama.

By W. Gardner Selby
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, February 07, 2008

Name Position Pledged to

Ruben Hinojosa Congressman Clinton

Silvestre Reyes Congressman Clinton

Henry Cuellar Congressman Clinton

Solomon Ortiz Congressman Clinton

Gene Green Congressman Clinton

Sheila Jackson Lee Congresswoman Clinton

Sue Lovell DNC Clinton

Senfronia Thompson DNC Clinton

Norma Fisher Flores DNC Clinton

David Holmes DNC Clinton

Jim Wright Former Speaker of the House Clinton

Denise Johnson Appointed by DNC Obama

Moses Mercado Appointed by DNC Obama

Al Green Congressman Obama

Eddie Bernice Johnson Congresswoman Obama

Robert Martinez Appointed by DNC Unpledged

Boyd Richie State party chair Unpledged

Charlie Gonzalez Congressman Unpledged

Chet Edwards Congressman Unpledged

Nick Lampson Congressman Unpledged

Ciro Rodriguez Congressman Unpledged

Lloyd Doggett Congressman Unpledged

Yvonne Davis DNC Unpledged

Al Edwards DNC Unpledged

Jaime Gonzalez Jr. DNC Unpledged

John Patrick DNC Unpledged

Betty Richie DNC Unpledged

Bob Slagle DNC Unpledged

Bob Strauss Former Chair of DNC Unpledged

Linda Chavez-Thompson Labor Add-on Unpledged

Roy LaVerne Brooks State party vice- chair Unpledged

David Hardt Young Democrats Add-on Unpledged

Sources: Interviews, Texas Democratic Party, Obama and Clinton campaigns.

Well this list says Senfronia is for Clinton. She obviously can't be for both.

Sonia

[sonias]

14. Super Delegets wiki

http://www.superdelegates.org/

It even has a google earth map showing where the delegates live. This is for all delegates all over the US.

These delegates will decide who are nominee is.


Sonia

[sonias]

15. Not So Superdelegates

Great article in The Nation.

A must read primer about the historical importance of super-delegates by Ari Berman for The Nation.

The article is here:
Not So Superdelegates

YouTube video here:
Superdelegates 101

:wow:

Sonia

[PDittie]

16. Charlie Gonzales for Obama

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=180&topic_id=48073&mesg_id=48073

[WolverineDG]

17. Slagle is in the Clinton column

Got a nice email from him, but I must decline. :)


dg

[NoPasaran]

18. Pull my finger!

[WolverineDG]

20. lol

:spray: :rofl:

hazy memories of the drunks caucus....

dg

[PDittie]

21. BOR has a good updated list

http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4979

[sonias]

28. Texas Superdelegate Watch - BOR thread

BOR Texas Superdelegate Watch
Senator Hillary Clinton - 11 Superdelegate Endorsements

1. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Laredo. (Source)
2. Congressman Gene Green, Houston. (Source)
3. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, Edinburg / Rio Grande Valley. (Source)
4. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston. (Source)
5. Congressman Solomon Ortiz, Corpus Christi. (Source)
6. Congressman Silvestre Reyes, El Paso. (Source)
7. City Council Member Sue Lovel, Houston. (Source)
8. DNC Member Norma Fisher Flores. (Source)
9. DNC Member David Holmes. (Source)
10. Former Speaker of the House Jim Wright. (Source)
11. DNC Member and former State Party Chair Bob Slagle. (Source) *Updated 2-17-08*

Senator Barack Obama -- 8 Superdelegate Endorsements

1. Congressman Chet Edwards, Waco. (Source) *Updated 2-18-08*
2. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Austin. (Source) *Updated 2-20-08*
3. Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, San Antonio. (Source)
4. Congressman Al Green, SW Houston & Fort Bend County. (Source)
5. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Dallas. (Source)
6. DNC Appointed Moses Mercado. (Source)
7. DNC Memer- State Representative Senfronia Thompson, Houston. (Source) *Updated 2-28-08*
8. DNC Member & State Rep. Yvonne Davis. (Source) *Updated 2-29-08*

Superdelegates Who Have Not Endorsed.

1. Congressman Nick Lampson, Fort Bend & Galveston. (Source)
2. Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, West San Antonio & West Texas along the Border. (Source)
3. DNC Member Al Edward. (Source)
4. State Party Chair Boyd Richie. (Source)
5. DNC Member Linda Chavez-Thompson. (Source)
6. DNC Member Jaime Gonzalez Jr. (Source)
7. DNC Member Denise Johnson. (Source) *Updated 2-18-07* I got an e-mail from 2008 Democratic Convention Watch (my source for Ms. Johnson) that clarified that though she was once listed as a Clinton delegate on Senator Clinton's website, but is not any more. She is listed as an Obama supporter by the Statesman. Until I have something more concrete, I'll leave her as "unpledged."
8. DNC Member John Patric. (Source)
9. DNC Member Betty Richie. (Source)
10. Former Chair of DNC Bob Straus. (Source)
11. State Party Vice-Chair Roy LaVerne Brooks. (Source)
12. DNC Appointed Robert Martinez. (Source)
13. Young Democrats Member David Hardt. (Source) *Updated 2-29-08* -- Hardt is officially uncommitted.

Head over to the BOR thread if you want to get the sources. I didn't link to those above.


Sonia

[PDittie]

22. Chet Edwards for Obama

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/listening_post/

Significant for the fact that Edwards is one of the most conservative Democrats in DC, representing one of the most conservative districts in the country (that is represented by a Democrat, of course).

[PDittie]

23. H-Town Chronicle updates:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5551035.html

So far in Texas, Clinton leads Obama among the 35 superdelegates 13-5, with 17 remaining unpledged — including (YDA president David) Hardt, which explains why he received calls from both Clintons and was given a face-to-face meeting with former first daughter Chelsea. He has yet to hear from Obama.

Texas has 32 Democratic superdelegates — party activists, party officials, elected lawmakers — and three to be named later.

Pledged to Clinton

• Denise Johnson, party activist, of Houston

• Jim Wright, former House speaker, of Fort Worth

• Norma Fisher, DNC member, of El Paso

• David Holmes, DNC member, of Austin

• Sue Lovell, DNC member, of Houston

• Senfronia Thompson, DNC member, of Houston

• Gene Green, U.S. representative, of Houston

• Ruben Hinojosa, U.S. representative, of Mercedes

• Silvestre Reyes, U.S. representative, of El Paso

• Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. representative, of Houston

• Henry Cueller, U.S. representative, of Laredo

• Solomon Ortiz, U.S. representative, of Corpus Christi

Pledged to Obama

• Moses Mercado, former DNC executive

• Charlie Gonzalez, U.S. representative, of San Antonio

• Al Green, U.S. representative, of Houston

• Eddie Bernice Johnson, U.S. representative, of Dallas

• Chet Edwards, U.S. representative, of Waco

Unpledged

• Boyd Richie, chairman of state Democratic Party, of Graham

• Roy LaVerne Brooks, vice chair state party, of Fort Worth

• Bob Strauss, former DNC chairman

• Linda Chavez Johnson, DNC vice chair

• Yvonne Davis, state representative / DNC member, of Dallas

• Al Edwards, DNC member, of Houston

• Jaime Gonzalez Jr., DNC member, of McAllen

• John Patrick, DNC member, of Friendswood

• Betty Richie, DNC member, of Graham

• Robert Martinez, DNC member, of Dallas

• David Hardt, president of Young Democrats, of Dallas

• Bob Slagle, DNC member (favoring Clinton), of Sherman

• Nick Lampson, U.S. representative, of Houston

• Ciro Rodriguez, U.S. representative, of San Antonio

• Lloyd Doggett, U.S. representative, of Austin

[crispini]

24. David Hardt says he'll vote for Clinton

Source:
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/tv/stories/wfaa080219_mo_superdelegates.c59a23c.html

[PDittie]

33. As of 2/29 BOR says Hardt is

"officially uncommitted":

http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4979

[sonias]

25. Congressman Lloyd Doggett for Obama

BOR blog

That's my Congressman!
:patriot:


Sonia

[sonias]

26. Senfronia for Obama

Updating this thread.

Houston Chronicle 2/27/08
Houston superdelegate switches support to Obama

AUSTIN - Democratic superdelegate and state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, of Houston, defected from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign Wednesday and joined a growing list of superdelegates to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president, according to his campaign.

"I'm honored to have earned the support of Representative Thompson and am pleased that she'll play an important role in advancing our grassroots movement for change in Houston and across Texas," Obama said in a statement. "Throughout her three decades in the Legislature, she's been a tireless advocate for working families and when I'm president we'll work together to put the American dream within reach of every child in Texas and across our country."

Thompson, one of the longest serving Democrats in the state House, is one of the party insiders who, as a superdelegate, help choose the Democratic nominee at the national convention this summer in Denver.

Sonia

[sonias]

27. Superdelegate Rep. Yvonne Davis Picks Obama

Via press release reported on BOR 2/29/08

"As State Representative for District 111, I have the distinct honor to represent more than 145,000 individuals in the Texas House of Representatives. As an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee from Texas, and a 'super-delegate,' I know politics is serious business, but I believe that politics has to be about the people!

When I look at the sad state of affairs in our community and across the nation-- I know we can do better. That is why today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. Senator Obama sets himself apart because he is able to bring Americans together to finally overcome the great challenges we face.

Senator Obama offers leadership and vision for what this country can achieve when we put aside our differences and come together behind our common purpose. Only if we work together can we create the change we believe in.

It is up to each of us to accept our responsibility and join with Senator Obama as we reclaim America."

Sonia

[PDittie]

29. Al Edwards

:puke:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5599765.html

Superdelegate Al Edwards, who on Tuesday staged a comeback by defeating first-term Rep. Borris Miles in the Democratic primary, said he pledged to Obama over the weekend. But on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Obama campaign said they weren't counting on Edwards' support.

:puke:

[sonias]

30. I saw that win

Well Boris did create quite a bit of that problem for himself. Should we tell Jon Stewart to fire up the sexy cheerleader skit again?


Sonia

[PDittie]

31. Denise Johnson switches to Obama

From the Dallas Morning News:

"While the Web site Politico.com lists Democratic national committeewoman Denise Johnson of Houston as a Clinton superdelegate, she said she voted for Mr. Obama on Tuesday and that she'll probably cast her convention vote for the candidate who wins more pledged delegates – very likely, Mr. Obama."

[PDittie]

32. Roy Brooks for Obama

http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=5280

"As the current Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, I've worked for more than 20 years within this structure to make a difference in the lives of those who have needed it the most, the average working, middle and lower income people of our state and our country.

"Having worked as a hospital and hospice Chaplain, I have seen firsthand the sorrow felt by families torn by the loss of loved ones and burdened by unaffordable health care. Many working 10 to 12 hours a day, 6 to 7 days a week, and still couldn't keep up with rising health care costs. In working as a Chaplain, as a teacher, social worker, as a representative of the ideals that attracted me and many others to this party, I believe we must dream and desire better for our communities.

Clinton 11, Obama 9, Uncommitted 11:

http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4979