- The Road to Philadelphia « June 5, 2016 Puerto Rico Democratic Presidential Primary
June 5, 2016 Puerto Rico Democratic Presidential Primary
67 Delegates (60 Pledged)
Summary: Hillary Clinton scored a solid win in the
primary, but a reduced number of polling places where Puerto Ricans
could voter in the presidential primary and reports of long lines
prompted some Sanders supporters to cry foul (+).
PUERTO RICO DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY (60 pledged delegates)
CLINTON |
SANDERS | DE LA FUENTE |
TOTAL |
52,658 (59.74%) |
33,368 (37.85%) |
300 (0.34%) |
86,326 |
Organization: CLINTON
|
SANDERS
OVERVIEW
Puerto Rico sends a larger delegation to the Democratic Convention than
many
states.
Puerto Rico Democrats (Partido
Demócrata de Puerto Rico) originally planned to hold a caucus, but in
April 2016 the DNC Rules Committee approved the party's request to hold
a closed primary instead. However, preparation for the primary
appeared to be less than satisfactory. The Democratic Party
reduced
the number of polling places where people could vote in the
presidential primary from 1,510 to 455 because they could not get
sufficient poll workers. There were reports of long lines and
other
problems at polling places (+)..
Puerto
Rico's debt crisis was a major issue, and both candidates weighed in on
legislation moving in
Congress to address the financial difficulties afflicting the Island (+).
Sen.
Bernie Sanders visited on May 16, holding a town hall
at Fundación Luis Muñoz Marín in San Juan, an invite-only conversation
at Escuela Juan Ponce de Leon Montessori in Guaynabo, and "A
Future to Believe In Puerto Rico Conference" at University of Puerto
Rico Rio Piedras Campus. Former President Bill Clinton spoke at
three
organizing events on May 17 (National College Plaza in Bayamón, Teatro
Municipal de Cayey in Cayey, and Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico in
Ponce).
REACTIONS
Democratic
National Committee
June 5, 2016
DNC Chair’s Statement
on Puerto Rico Primary and U.S. Virgin Islands Caucuses
WASHINGTON -
DNC
Chair
Rep.
Debbie
Wasserman
Schultz
issued
the
following
statement:
“I
congratulate both of our candidates for their engagement and
mobilization of voters in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands this
weekend. Our candidates have made us proud with substantive
and spirited campaigns that reflect the values of the Democratic Party
and the values that reflect the best of America. That’s why the vast
majority of Democratic voters in recent weeks have expressed optimism
in our primary and in both of our candidates,
with majorities ready to support either as our nominee.
“We
are especially proud that both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have
been outspoken about the need to help Puerto Rico overcome its current
debt crisis while both protecting pensions
and ordinary investors as much as possible. As American citizens for
nearly a century, Puerto Ricans have been on the frontlines
serving in
every branch of our military and distinguishing themselves with valor,
while also making tremendous contributions to
our country in the arts, business, and politics. We must stand with our
fellow citizens in Puerto Rico too.
“We
must also continue to do everything we can for Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and our mainland to combat the Zika virus. Congress
must act to approve President Obama’s request
for emergency funding for research and treatment of the virus. Both of
these issues remind us of just how much is at stake in this election,
and that the only candidates running for president who have the
judgment and temperament to lead are Democrats.”
DELEGATES
67 Delegates and 5 Alternates:
40 District-level Delegates
13 At-large Delegates
7 Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials
7 Unpledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials
Pledged delegate allocation: Clinton
37, Sanders 23.
Post-Primary
Caucus
and
State
Assembly:
June
25, 2016.