The Political Chase

Clinton Donors Threaten Pelosi and DCCC

Chutzpah, indeed. Twenty prominent supporters of Hillary Clinton blasted Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a letter for her public statements that super-delegates should vote for the candidate that has the most pledged delegates and "urged" Pelosi make a public retraction of requests. TPM obtained a copy of the letter sent to Pelosi.

"[T]his dynamic primary season is not at an end. Several states and millions of Democratic voters have not yet had a chance to cast their votes.

"We respect those voters and believe that they, like the voters in the states that have already participated, have a right to be heard. None of us should make declarative statements that diminish the importance of their voices and their votes. We are writing to say we believe your remarks on ABC News This Week on March 16th did just that.

"During your appearance, you suggested super-delegates have an obligation to support the candidate who leads in the pledged delegate count as of June 3rd , whether that lead be by 500 delegates or 2. This is an untenable position that runs counter to the party’s intent in establishing super-delegates in 1984 as well as your own comments recorded in The Hill ten days earlier…"

In addition to admonishing Pelosi for her public position and urging a retraction, the donors and fundraisers strongly emphasized their contributions to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"We have been strong supporters of the DCCC. We therefore urge you to clarify your position on super-delegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August. We appreciate your activities in support of the Democratic Party and your leadership role in the Party and hope you will be responsive to some of your major enthusiastic supporters."

Hmm….that sounds like special interests demanding quid pro quo on behalf of Sen. Clinton. Interesting timing too. Sen. Clinton just released an ad in Pennsylvania vowing to stand up to special interests.

Roll Call reports (sub. req.) a Pelosi aide "seemed unruffled by the threat to Democratic Funding." Specifically the aide said, Speaker Pelosi "is neutral and she has always held that opinion regarding superdelegates, even when Clinton was ahead."

A full copy of the letter is available at TPM.