Opinion: Now, some Hillary Clinton folks wonder about a roll call vote

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DENVER –- Giving Democratic convention delegates a chance to vote for Sen. Hillary Clinton was supposed to unify the party –- to provide a healthy, constructive outlet for what Clinton called “a catharsis.’’ For a video report, see below.

But not all of the people who backed her during the Democratic primary are so sure it’s a good idea.

U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano, who represents the Bronx, said on the convention floor Tuesday that a roll call vote enabling delegates to support Clinton’s nomination serves no purpose.

“It will sow divisions that don’t exist,’’ Serrano said. “It will continue to push this idea that we’re not united.

“I’m from New York,’’ Serrano continued. “I supported Hillary. She said she was out. She told us to support Obama. That’s what we’re doing. I don’t know why they’re doing anything else. There should not be a roll call.’’

The mechanics of the roll call vote were still being negotiated Tuesday. But Barack Obama campaign officials were considering an abbreviated roll call that would attempt to minimize party divisions, possibly involving the roll call ending at New York state with a motion to make the vote unanimous.

-- Peter Nicholas

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