Questions on how DNC nomination works

[piglet too]

OK, I have never really paid any attention to how the nomination process works at the national conventions. Now I know that Howard Dean won some sates during the primaries, do these states nominate him or John Kerry? I would think that the person from that state would feel pretty silly "nominating" a guy who is not going to be that parties conidate, but is that how it works? If so, do they go on to say something about Kerry?

 

[KarenC]

Howard Dean released his delegates and they voted for Kerry. If he hadn't released them, then they would have voted for Dean.

 

[wvrevy]

And to add to what Howard did, not all states have an "all or nothing" primary. The delegates are actually divided among the top vote getters. For example, one state (Maryland, maybe ? Can't remember) cast four votes for Kucinich, and the rest for Kerry. Just depends on the state.

Also, keep in mind that the convention used to actually be a nominating convention, not just a "how great thou art" kinda thing. There was one convention back in the early 20th century that lasted something like 183 votes (or something like that...don't quote me ). Point being that what has become just a formality actually carried quite a bit of importance just a few years ago.