Sanders may be feistier at this Democratic debate

Superdelegates are convention delegates who can support the candidate of their choice, regardless of who voters choose in the primaries and caucuses. With 712 votes at the convention next summer, superdelegates make up about 30 percent of the 2,382 delegates needed to clinch the Democratic nomination.

The Vermont independent, a self-described Democratic socialist, said the first Democratic debate October 13 showed he needs to “pay more attention” to the importance of distinguishing himself from the more moderate Clinton.

An Associated Press survey found that the state’s remaining three superdelegates are now uncommitted in their public support.

Their backing gives Clinton a commanding advantage over her rivals for the Democratic nomination for president.

But Virgie Rollins, chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Black Caucus, has yet to commit to a candidate. Other superdelegates said they were not ready to declare their support for any candidate and a few did not respond.

A few of the Clinton superdelegates who call Washington home have a long history with her, including Harold Ickes, who served as White House deputy chief of staff under Bill Clinton, and political consultants Maria Cardona and Minyon Moore, both of whom worked on her 2008 campaign.

Former Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee and former Virginia senator Jim Webb have dropped out of the presidential race, so Saturday’s debate will feature only Sanders, Clinton and former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley.

AP reporters reached out to all 712 superdelegates during the past two weeks, and heard back from more than 80 percent of them.

—U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen: Larsen wrote in an email that he and Clinton “share the belief that we need an economy that includes everyone and works for everyone”. Six of the state’s Democratic superdelegates remain uncommitted. She cited a sweeping gun-control measure he pushed through the Legislature in 2013.

“She has the experience necessary not only to lead this country, she has experience politically that I think will help her through a tough campaign”, said Unzell Kelley, a county commissioner from Alabama.

Five of Hawaii’s nine superdelegates, including Hirono, said they supported Clinton.