March 28, 2008
Posted: 05:00 PM ET
Pelosi is raising money for the DCCC.
Pelosi is raising money for the DCCC.

(CNN) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she won't let the increasingly heated Democratic presidential race harm the party's congressional candidates, in a fundraising appeal sent Friday to Democratic donor’s just days after several Hillary Clinton fundraisers demanded the California Democrat publicly change her position that the party's superdelegates support the pledged delegate leader.

"Here's what you and I can't let happen," Pelosi wrote in email to Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee supporters. "We can't allow the tension and pressures of a spirited presidential contest to spill over and harm hard-working Democratic candidates running to strengthen our Democratic majority in the House.

“I will do whatever it takes to protect our candidates and make sure their campaigns to drive change forward don't skip a beat. I need you to do the same.”

Two days earlier, 20 Clinton backers strongly criticized Pelosi for saying the Democratic superdelegates would harm the party if they overturned the pledged-delegate results. That stance benefits Barack Obama, whose current pledged delegate lead of 171 is virtually insurmountable given the Democratic Party's proportional delegation allocations, even if Clinton were to win each of the remaining 10 primary contests.

In their letter, the Clinton donors directly reminded Pelosi they have been strong supporters of the DCCC in the past — a statement many perceived as a veiled threat that they may cut off their support.

"We have been strong supporters of the DCCC. We therefore urge you to clarify your position on super-delegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the

optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August," the supporters stated in the letter.

In a statement Friday afternoon, DCCC spokeswoman Jennifer Crider said Pelosi is "always a part of the DCCC’s end of quarter fundraising program and, like previous her e-mails, has called for Party unity to elect a Democratic President and to strengthen our majority Congress.”

But CNN Political Editor Mark Preston noted that the timing and content of the email was not coincidental.

“Speaker Pelosi was clearly sending a message that she would not be strong armed by anyone and will not allow this presidential contest to jeopardize House Democrats in November,” he said.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Nancy Pelosi


Defining moment   March 28th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Way to go Nancy! Show them who's BOSS. Once again, the clintons and their surrogates think that they are entitled to the presidency … last time I checked this wasn't the United States Kingdom. Wake up and smell the coffee Billary!

Trev   March 28th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

If she doesn't want the presidential race to damage House races (which is a noble idea) then she should STAY OUT of the presidential race. Stop saying you don't support Obama, then make speeches in his favor. Don't tell the super delegates to automatically vote for one candidate when neither candidate can get to 2025 pledged delegates. Start being the majority leader, rather than an unofficial member of the Obama campaign.

wanakee   March 28th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Barack has more delegates and more popular votes. The next 10 contests will not change that. Why, pray tell, is Hillary Clinton still in this race. Pelosi is right. Follow the pledged delegtes, which is the will of the people. Clinton is bitter and quite desperate, knowing she has lost, so she's pulling out every bottom of the barrel tactic she can find, but none will work for her. It's over.

Wow   March 28th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

"Presidency for Sale". This has been our biggest problem in recent history. A very few influential rich people dictate the outcome of elections in this country.
I am surprised that common people are not outraged by these tactics.
Hillary's rich friends are buying the elections for her while the American people sit and watch.

Roger   March 28th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Pelosi is trying to strongarm the superdelegates. The superdelegates are really independent voters. The majority of Obama's votes that are counted now were before the Jerimiah Wright controversy. There is a silent majority out there that will not vote for Obama because Obama was part of that church for 20 years. Overturning the pledged-delegate results will not harm our party. Having Obama as a nominee will be our party's undoing. Obama is not electable. Wake up!

Michael   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I can't believe, well I guess I can that we are still subjected to the haves and the have nots. You want to see a real problem happen in the country, just wait and see what happens if the "will of the People' is not observed in this election. Sen. Obama has won more States, more Pledged delegates and more popular vote. If these super-delegates cave to the will of the Rich and Mighty so much for democracy.

Jay   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

to Jay Basgall,

Pelosi Didn't say the Super Delegates should support the will of the people in there state, She said the will of the people, which means the United states. and if Sen. Obama has the majority of the popular votes she will be Voting for him. not going with California..

Also I have not read anywhere that her congresional district went to Sen Clinton. WHich is who she is representing, Just california. which she doesn't represent.

Wendy   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

We the people are watching those who would disenfranchise our votes; and when it comes time for their re-election they may want to have another job lined up!!!

AJ - Winston-Salem, North Carolina   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Is anyone else tired of senators and others coming out telling Hillary to quit? I think they are the one splitting the party and need to do their jobs (whatever their jobs might be) and shut up!

Pelosi needs to get her foot out of her mouth and just come out in support for Hillary. Sen. Clinton clearly won in CA and that is who she should support according to her thinking.

However the Superdelegates should vote based on their best judgement – otherwise, what is the point in having them if they are just going to vote with the highest delegate count.

Disenfanchised ,FL   March 28th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Are we headed down a road here in America where other countries can report on their news channels " The white female "FACTION' in America has declared war against the black 'FACTION" for unfair proacticies in their election".HOW can you declare yourself an American an express so much hatred for another American rnning for office.

Gregory   March 28th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

It is apparent that Pelosi should remain as she has painted herself and that is to be a neutral in this issue. She has failed to move in a positive as speaker and she should concentrate on keeping her promises to the nation to move the democratic congress in a positive leadership direction, which she has failed to do.

Allison Marie   March 28th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

I think, Pelosi, Obama, Dodd, Dean, & Richardson should all drop out, I think it's terrible the the DNC & Democratic party wants to manipulate this primary. You all have very dirty hands.

Let the people vote, not just Obama supporters, and what they want. Neither candidate will have enough of delegates at the end, but since Clinton is ahead in PA, it's clearly not a one man show!

If the Dems did there primary like the GOP's we would have a nominee and that would be Clinton! We have had cheating to put this President in office let's not do that again!

Tell Obama and his cry baby supporters to grow up or step aside and let Clinton be the nominee!

Countless in Florida

19ND   March 28th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Keep on talking Pelosi… Let everyone know that you were the worst choice for Speaker of the House

David Boston Ma   March 28th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

One thing that really struck me as stupid on Clintons part. Why on earth would you let your friends send a pressure cooked letter to, hmmm, how do I say this so it is understood… Pelosi is the second strongest woman in the world. She is the head of the senate, and in retrospect, she is like everyones boss in the senate, and Hillary let her friends send this letter?

If there was any 'common sense' left in her camp at all, she should have realized what this 'letter' would represent. This letter may verywell have started a quiet push by Pelosi to end Clintons dreams of a nomination, kinda like YOUR BOSS drawing up your termination papers in a political sense.

Way to go Hillary, you really know how to run your camp!! Please don't run the counrty! Just resign.

California Democrat   March 28th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

You got to love 4:59 pm, Friday email. Better known as coward emails. Nancy Pelosi is the first woman Speaking of the House. Under her leadership she has absolutely done nothing but create tension since taking the position. As a California democrat, I am disgusted will Pelosi's poor performance. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, have created a hostile environment for democrats, fueling the fighting between both parties. It's extremely difficult to accomplish an approval rating below George Bush! Congratulation Madam Speaker you accomplished that goal! Resign!

I do not know these 20 people who are donating to DCCC. However, I would strongly encourage them to cut the funds off. As I have stopped donating to the DNC. Put the funds to better usage, Pelosi is up for re-election this year… get her out of office!

To my fellow democrats, I was a Barack Obama supporter in the beginning. Turned Hillary Clinton supporter before the election in California. I encourage each of you to play the same kind of revenge vendetta politics Nancy Pelosi is playing. No Hillary Clinton 08. VOTE John McCain 08!

Monster Hillary   March 28th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

So, this is what a Clinton in its death throws looks like?! What a bunch of losers.

Nancy, you go girl!

Stephanie   March 28th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

You should set an example Senator. Congress rating is even less than that of the President. Get the Congress to put aside own egos and start working for the good of the American people.

listen up   March 28th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

The Clinton Donors were reminding her that her role is to support the party rules and to ensure a fair process.

If she continues to advocate changing the rules to favor Obama, then she CAN expect defection of party faithful.

No threat. Just stating fact.

The party faithful are not happy with the way the Party leaders have tried to fix this election for an Obama win

Ric   March 28th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

The Supers can vote for anyone of their choosing.
Once the last primary vote is done, Hillary/Obama will each make cases to all the remaining Supers for an endorsement. At that point, it is no longer up to us. It's up to the Supers. Regardless of what Pelosi, Obama or Clinton say or do, the Supers will have final say so over the direction of the party. Brace yourselves, it wont be pretty for either candidate. There will be hurt feelings, and some of us will vote Mc Cain.

Sherri   March 28th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

It is refreshing to see someone stick to her guns despite the pressure…You Go Girl!

ben   March 28th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Now Nancy is a woman I would vote for if she ever decides to run for president.

she is wrong   March 28th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Pelosi is wrong in advocating that the role of superdelegates now be changed, in the middle of the game, just to benefit Obama.

The role of superdelegates needs to remain as it was at the start of this primary. That is the point that the letter writers were making.

And yes, as donors it is their option to withold future donations if the Democratic Party starts to change the rules to advantage Obama. They are simply calling for fairness in the process.

It has already been corrupted to favor Obama- i.e not counting all votes, the caucus format, Hillary bashing, Obama praising etc.

Mike   March 28th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Get behind the real candidate Hillary.

You may not like her but does she support people that aid extremist groups and listens to anti-American dogma?

Obama is finished.

Sal in Phoenix   March 28th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Of course he thinks she should drop out, he's an Obama supporter..No news here!

just asking?   March 28th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Why doesn't Pelosi clarify the role of superdelegates and then support that role, rather than changing their role to benefit Obama?

LatinoNation   March 28th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

well maybe you shouldnt say thing which hurt the party ! as for me I am not giving money to the DNC either till you state you where wrong!

Ed   March 28th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Good for you Speaker Pelosi!!

mp   March 28th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Stick to your guns Nancy…Don't let them try to blackmail you.

Jay Basgall   March 28th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

If the superdelegates are supposed to support the candidate that their constituents voted for and Pelosi is from California, a state that Hillary Clinton won, wouldn't her own logic show that she will be supporting Hillary?

Qin   March 28th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

I THINK AMERICA NEEDS TO BE MORE LIKE CHINA !!
I seriouslt believe that Pelosi, Dean, Obama, and all the media should act like the Chinese central politburo members, and throw Hillary Clinton out of the democratic primary election.
Even though only 60% of the election has been done, it really doesn't make sense to go through the whole democracy process and then declare a winner based on the individual pledged and superdelegates. Based on Chinese principle, what is the need of having democracy when there is so much of infighting and acrimony amongst the candidates, and on top of that the public foolishly is taking that into their heart and soul, as if our daily breads and the upcoming economic disaster will depend on this emotional fights!!
We definitely need to declare OBAMA as the winner right now, and throw HILLARY out just like in China!! That will save the democratic party.

DWhipp   March 28th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

I have newfound respect for Pelosi for standing up to the implied threat by these Hillary backers.

kathleen   March 28th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Nancy Polosi, You are a good woman. I know that people have been
very hard on you. I think that you work hard for the American people
and that you intently care about the voters. I do not trust Bush, Cheney,
MeCain, Leiberman, Graham. I do trust Nancy. I always have. Nancy
will not let the voters down. I trust her explicitely.
Don't be too hard on yourself Nancy. Work hard for the truth and
the voters will see that you are a good person.

Retired Professional White Woman of 63.

Blayze Kohime   March 28th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I can't believe people can claim to support change and still support Hilary at this point. She basically had 20 of her corporate sponsors threaten Pelosi over her statements. Before you scream about how she has a right to overrule the will of the people, remember what you 'claim' to be supporting by supporting her. The only way Hilary could be any more blatantly bought out if she actually sold space on her suit for advertising logos.

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