Iowans uncomfortable with superdelegate system

Iowa's superdelegates are uncomfortable with the influence they now wield as superdelegates and are even talking about pushing to have the superdelegate system scrapped during the Democratic National Convention.

 But they have one of their own to thank for the system.

Western Iowa native Charles Manatt wrote the rule establishing unpledged delegates - now commonly referred to as superdelegates - in an effort to keep party officials engaged in the presidential campaign. He was DNC chairman at the time. Now his critics are saying that he essentially created a "House of Lords."

Manatt, now a 71-year-old Washington D.C. attorney, defended himself during a recent speech at his alma mater - Iowa State University. The Des Moines Register reported Manatt said the system was never envisioned to be the deciding factor as it has become in the Obama-Clinton battle.

Iowa superdelegate Richard Machacek is not so sure.

"I think some of this was kind of intended," he said.

Machacek said he thinks - and hopes - revamping or scrapping the superdelegate system will be an issue taken up at the August convention.

"But whether anything actually happens is another thing," he said.

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