Therese L. Hunkin
| Therese L. Hunkin | |
| Democratic National Convention, 2016 | |
| Status: | Superdelegate |
| State: | American Samoa |
| Supporting: | Bernie Sanders |
| Delegates to the DNC 2016 | |
| Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state | |
Therese L. Hunkin was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from American Samoa.[1] Hunkin was one of five superdelegates from American Samoa. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus results to support a specific presidential candidate. Hunkin’s name was included on a list of superdelegates supporting Bernie Sanders released by Sanders' campaign in April 2016.[2] Leading up to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Sanders had approximately 1,832 pledged delegates and 47 superdelegates for a total of 1,879 delegates. The winner of the Democratic nomination needed the support of 2,383 delegates at the national convention.[3]
What is a superdelegate?
Superdelegates in 2016 were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.[4]
American Samoa primary results
Hillary Clinton won the territory's Democratic caucuses, winning 162 votes to Bernie Sanders' 61. Clinton won American Samoa's Democratic caucuses in 2008 as well.[5] The 2016 Democratic caucuses in American Samoa took place at one location. Clinton called the site the day of the caucus. A Clinton spokesperson told Politico, "[Clinton] reminded voters of her visit to the territory as Secretary of State, she thanked American Samoans for their notable record of serving in the U.S. armed forces and explained how, as President, she would ensure veterans get the care and support they deserve, no matter where they live. She also highlighted her commitment to breaking down barriers and building ladders of opportunity for the people of American Samoa — specifically citing her commitment to raise incomes and tackle the epidemic of substance abuse."[6]
| American Samoa Democratic Caucus, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | Delegates | |
 Hillary Clinton |
72.6% | 162 | 4 | |
| Bernie Sanders | 27.4% | 61 | 2 | |
| Totals | 223 | 6 | ||
| Source: ABC News | ||||
See also
- Democratic National Convention, 2016
- 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules
- Presidential election, 2016
- Presidential candidates, 2016
- Presidential election in American Samoa, 2016
Footnotes
- ↑ Ballotpedia's list of superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention is based on our own research and lists provided by the Democratic National Committee to Vox.com in February 2016 and May 2016. If you think we made an error in identifying superdelegates, please send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
- ↑ BernieSanders.com, "Publicly Committed Superdelegates," accessed May 13, 2016
- ↑ To find out which candidate a superdelegate supported, Ballotpedia sought out public statements from the superdelegate in other media outlets and on social media. If we were unable to find a public statement that clearly articulated which candidate the superdelegate supported at the national convention, we listed that superdelegate as "unknown." If you believe we made an error in identifying which candidate a superdelegate supported, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
- ↑ Congressional Research Service, "The Presidential Nominating Process and the National Party Conventions, 2016: Frequently Asked Questions," December 30, 2015
- ↑ Cohen, R. and Barnes, J. 2015. The Almanac of American Politics, 2016. New York, NY: Columbia Books
- ↑ Politico, "Clinton calls American Samoa's caucus site," March 1, 2016
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