Unfortunately, with the Pennsylvania primary looming on April 22, we're now the target of these political candidates. This is especially heightened for the Democrats.
A Democratic candidate needs 2,024 of the 4,047 available delegate votes to win the nomination. Currently, less than 140 delegate votes separate the two candidates. There are 187 delegate votes available in Pennsylvania. That's why our commonwealth has become such a hotbed of political activity.
In a brief civics lesson, the Democratic Party has two types of delegates. Of the 4,000-plus available, nearly 800 of these are super delegates. Generally, a super delegate is an elected official, such as a governor or member of Congress. Many times, these political figures show their support by introducing a candidate at a large rally.
Pledged delegates comprise the remainder of the votes. These people are elected or chosen based on the assumption they will support a particular candidate.
On the Democratic side, a candidate must receive at least 15 percent of the popular vote to gain any delegates. From that, again using the popular vote, pledged delegates are separated proportionally among the candidates.
Think about the hoopla that this nomination process has stirred up around here lately. It's difficult to avoid the political advertising, seen on nearly every television station and newspaper. Rallies in large and small Pennsylvania towns pop up nearly daily as the candidates deliver their message through stump speech after stump speech.
This is a method long-time to drumming up support. As a whole, the American public loves to attend political rallies. When a candidate stops by, there's a certain energy which permeates a town hall or school gymnasium or senior citizen center. There are promises made, criticisms dealt, hopes revived.
We remember moments like those. We remember when someone who may some day be President comes to town. We remember what they said. We remember shaking their hand and having our picture taken with them. We hope, too, they remember all the promises they made when - if - they get elected.
We all know the political candidates have converged on Pennsylvania because they want our vote. There's a certain appeal to being wooed like this. But political candidates are like house guests. It's nice when they come to visit. It's even nicer when they leave.