Montgomery, AL – The handpicking of some of Barack Obama's Alabama delegates to the Democratic National Convention is causing friction within his campaign because longtime followers got pushed aside for newer supporters.
Obama won Alabama's primary on February 5th with 56 percent to 42 percent for Hillary Rodham Clinton. On Saturday, the State Democratic Executive Committee met to elect the people who would fill 10 delegate slots won by Obama and eight won by Clinton.
Joe Turnham, state Democratic Party chairman, said the party's rules allow delegate selection, and he understands the Obama campaign's desire to make sure no unfaithful delegates slipped into its camp.
He said many people incorrectly assume that delegates are legally bound to vote for a candidate at the national convention in Denver.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)