Why Shouldn’t Clinton’s Name Be on the Ballot in Denver?

Here’s a big surprise: Keating Holland, CNN’s polling director, provides helpful background information on prior Democratic conventions that doesn’t preclude having Hillary Clinton’s name on the ballot in Denver.

Holland writes:

“WASHINGTON (CNN) -- If Sen. Hillary Clinton's name is placed in nomination in Denver, Colorado, this year, it wouldn't be the first time that a candidate was beaten in the primaries and still formally contested the nomination at the convention.


“Sen. Hillary Clinton can win votes from delegates at the convention even if her name isn't placed in nomination.

“But it would be the first time in the modern era of presidential primaries that a losing candidate has so visibly endorsed an opponent so many months before the convention, and then gone on to have his or her name placed in nomination.

“Clinton can still win votes from delegates at the Democratic National Convention even if her name is not placed in nomination. Delegates are free to vote for anyone they want to at the convention.

“At past conventions, delegates have even been known to vote for fictional characters (Archie Bunker) and dead people (George Orwell).

“It's likely that Clinton will pick up some votes unless Sen. Barack Obama is nominated by acclamation. Watch more on the Democrats' pursuit of unity »

“But the buzz is that Clinton may take it a step further and have her name formally placed before the convention, complete with nominating speeches, seconding speeches and all the hoopla they produce. Such a move hasn't happened at either party's convention since 1992, when former California Gov. Jerry Brown had his name placed in nomination after losing the race to Bill Clinton in the primaries.”
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