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Bernie Delegates Network Found Alternate VP Pick — But Name Still a Secret

Group says paperwork delays foiled nomination of "genuine progressive" rival to Tim Kaine

Supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders chanted as delegates entered the security perimeter for the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on the first day of the Democratic National Convention Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders chanted as delegates entered the security perimeter for the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on the first day of the Democratic National Convention Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

The Bernie Delegates Network announced at their Tuesday morning meeting that they had found a “genuine progressive” alternative to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine who had been willing to be nominated for vice president.  

But the group would not release the name because it was “moot,” said co-founder Jeff Cohen. The network was unable to obtain the necessary forms from the Democratic National Committee in time to put his or her name into nomination.  

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Clinton Campaign: Sanders Will Get Roll Call Vote

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“It won’t be known to history,” Cohen said, in reference to the person’s name. He confirmed that it was not an elected official.  

Media attending Tuesday’s press conference pushed back strongly, questioning the network’s commitment to transparency.  

Cohen finally agreed to ask the would-be vice presidential candidate for permission to release his or name. If that happens, the name will be released Wednesday, he said.  

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Sanders Delegates Weigh Kaine Challenge

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The group conducted an online survey of network delegates Sunday night and Monday morning, with 318 of 1250 delegates responding.  Sixty-three percent said they were “interested in making an issue” of Kaine as the vice presidential nominee, though the poll did not specifically ask whether respondents wanted to challenge him as the nominee.


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