Dems prepare to vote for DNC seats

Tomorrow, the New Hampshire Democratic State Committee will elect delegates to fill the two-at large Democratic National Committee (DNC) seats.

The delegates represent the party before the DNC and party rules stipulate that one seat is filled by a woman and the other by a man.

Anita Freedman and Gaetan DiGangi currently hold those seats. However, Freedman has decided to retire and DiGangi is being challenged by State Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish).

"I've got the time and the willingness to duke it out in Washington on behalf of New Hampshire," Burling said.

Burling, who endorsed John Edwards during the New Hampshire primary, said he has not been pressured by supporters of Barack Obama to endorse the Illinois Senator.

"I'm an Edwards guy and I've always said that," Burling added.

Rumors had been circulating that Obama supporters might attempt to challenge DiGangi, who has endorsed Hillary Clinton, with a pro-Obama candidate.

However, Obama's senior New Hampshire advisor said the campaign wants the party to unite.

"This is a time for New Hampshire Democrats to begin unifying for the November election and the contest for the National Committee positions is for the members of the New Hampshire Democratic State Committee to decide without any outside involvement," Jim Demers said.

Former state chairwoman Kathy Sullivan, also a Clinton supporter, is running unopposed to fill the seat being vacated by Freedman.

Democratic Party Chairwoman Ray Buckley said he does not expect any problems with the vote.

"There'll be no problems at all, it's been a good campaign," Buckley said.

The 208 members of the Democratic State Committee will decide who will fill the seats.