Election 2008: Montana Dems Get Another Superdelegate

HELENA – Former U.S. Sen. John Melcher has been named a Democratic Party "superdelegate" who will get a direct vote on the party's presidential nomination.

The Democratic National Committee says that Montana now has eight such delegates. These party officials can vote for any candidate they prefer.

Melcher gets his superdelegate vote by virtue of serving on a national Democratic Party committee. Melcher was traveling Monday and could not be reached for comment.

Montana's other seven superdelegates are largely staying uncomitted in the race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

The Montana Democrats have also been awarded an extra unpledged delegate, who will be chosen in June, and can also vote for whom they choose.

The state's June primary will award the candidates 16 pledged delegates.