Altmire to remain neutral in Democratic race

Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) announced Thursday that he would remain neutral in the Democratic presidential race until the last primary is held in June.

{mosads}“It is critically important for me that the remaining states have the opportunity to hold their primaries and caucuses before the superdelegates rush to judgment,” said Altmire.

Most of Pennsylvania’s Democratic delegation has endorsed either Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) or Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), and the state’s crucial primary is just five days away. Altmire said he hopes that the race will be decided shortly after the last primary on June 3, but he added that Clinton, who is trailing Obama in pledged delegates, the popular vote and states won, “has earned the right to continue with her campaign through the finish line, after which the will of the people will become clear.

“At that time, after the American people have spoken, I will decide which candidate will receive my vote as a superdelegate,” the lawmaker said. “The most important factor in my decision will be preserving the integrity of our national democratic process and ensuring that the will of the American people is followed.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) hammered Altmire for not taking a stance.

“Jason Altmire’s decision is certainly not a profile in political courage,” said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain. “After all, Altmire refused to condemn Barack Obama’s elitist remarks after he insulted Pennsylvania voters by claiming that they ‘cling’ to the Second Amendment and religion because they are ‘bitter.’ If Jason Altmire can’t even stand up for the dignity of Pennsylvania voters then maybe he should consider relinquishing his role as a superdelegate and as a member of Congress altogether.”