CO Delegates to the Democratic National Convention feel the heat between Obama and Clinton

It was an Ike and Tina Turner squabble at the first meeting of Colorado delegates to the Democratic National Convention over the Memorial Day weekend. Fifty-four delegates met on Saturday at State Democratic Headquarters representing both Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton. Obama delegates outnumbered Clinton delegates 36 to 18, with State Party leader Pat Waak, delegation chair, remaining uncommitted.

Delegates argue over who’s going to run the show

The meeting heated up almost immediately when Ramona Martinez, superdelegate for Senator Clinton, suggested that the delegation elect two vice chairs, one from the Obama camp and one from the Clinton camp, to replace Pat Waak, delegation leader, in case of her absence at events and meetings. Dan Slater, vice chair of the state party, vociferously objected, arguing that the delegation needed only one vice chair. The delegation turned down a motion for two vice chairs, at which point the Clinton caucus dramatically left the building to reconnoiter on the corner of Santa Fe and 8th Avenue. Obama delegates remained seated inside Democratic headquarters.

‘Newbies’ perplexed by intra-party dispute

Many Obama delegates new to the whole process sat baffled at the turn of events. Apparently Clinton delegates had met earlier to plan their strategy to ensure their “place at the leadership table.” Many felt rebuffed at earlier county and Congressional conventions, outnumbered by Obama supporters. Slater and other Obama insiders explained to the Obama caucus that the Clinton delegates were trying to highjack the delegation leadership.

When Clinton delegates returned to the meeting, they made their case for inclusiveness and fairness. “We want to have our hearts and minds behind Obama, if he is nominated, and that may not happen if we’re shut out of the process,” asserted the Clinton caucus. They added that they would have to go to the press to express their consternation. After more discussion, the delegation passed a motion to elect one vice chair. Five delegates were nominated for the single vice chair position, including Dan Slater for Obama and Awilda Marquez for Clinton.

Slater elected official vice chair; Marquez gets honorary vice chair role

The entire Clinton caucus voted for Marquez, but Slater was elected based on overwhelming Obama support. Some Clinton delegates walked out of the meeting room again. They returned when the larger group decided to elect an honorary vice chair. Marquez was selected. Based on this “can’t we all just get along” result, the meeting moved on to other pressing matters, such as parties, credentials, media relations, and the overall delegate role as party cheerleader.

Next love fest in June

The next meeting won’t occur until June, presumably after June 3 when the last primary results are in. It’s unclear how either side will react when a nominee is finally chosen. At this time, it appears that the Sonny and Cher hit “I Got You Babe” will not be the delegation’s theme song.