Projo Politics Blog

By John E. Mulligan
Journal White House bureau

DENVER -- The R.I. delegation is on board with the message spelled out on the plaques waved during Hillary Clinton's speech last night:

"Hillary," "Obama," "Unity."

But at this uncommonly unsettled Democratic convention, the details of tonight's roll call haven't quite been nailed down yet.

One thing is clear -- Rhode Island House Speaker Bill Murphy draws the honor of announcing the vote of the delegation, possibly in collaboration with Rhode Island's Sen. Jack Reed, when the roll of the 4,440 Democratic delegates is called.

It's the buildup that remains unclear. Late this morning, it still appeared that Clinton delegates would be free to vote for her on the first ballot. Then they would be expected to join the convention in nominating Barack Obama for president by acclamation.

As R.I. Democratic Party chairman, and Clinton supporter, Bill Lynch told his delegation yesterday, "I'm still going to vote for her but of course we are all for Barack, and we will all be voting for Barack to make it unanimous."

An informal survey of the local delegation -- which reflects Clinton's victory in the Rhode Island primary -- shows that many will likewise stick with her on the first ballot, then join in what they hope will be a unanimous vote for Obama.

 Tags  Democratic Convention Hillary Clinton House Speaker William Murphy Jack Reed Obama R.I. delegation roll call

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