Backroom deals. Party insiders extracting favors in return for political support. An opaque, undemocratic process. That's what critics fear will happen if Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton finish primary season more or less tied. That's because it may well be up to Democratic party's 796 superdelegates - appointed party activists and elected officials, by and large - to decide who gets the nomination.
Representing Philadelphia in this process?
None other then local Democratic power-brokers and ward leaders Carol Ann Campbell and Ron Donatucci, as the Inquirer's Larry Eichel reported over the weekend. 
Donatucci, of course, is the Register of Wills and as integral a part of the city's Democratic machinery as anyone. Campbell is a former Councilwoman who, like Donatucci, has historically had massive clout within the city committee, serving as its secretary. Both are also long time members of the National Democratic Committee.
Donatucci couldn't be reached for comment this morning, so we don't know where he stands. But Campbell said she is undecided.
"I think they're excellent candidates, I think they both have the country's best interest at heart. I believe you keep your powder dry. Sometimes you learn things as campaigns go on," Campbell said.
Campbell, who puts party above all else, wants to see how her fellow ward leaders feel before making her decision. She expects the local party, like the country, will be split between Clinton and Obama.
The city's other superdelegates are senior elected officials, like U.S. Reps. Chaka Fattah, Bob Brady and Allyson Schwartz, Sen. Casey and Gov. Rendell.
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