WASHINGTON -- Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin's telephone began ringing months ago. On the line: representatives of the Democratic presidential contenders soliciting advice on Maryland politics, asking about lessons learned from his 2006 Senate race or just checking in again to gauge his latest thoughts on the campaign.
But the callers are after more than his wisdom. As a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, Cardin will not be bound by the results of next month's Maryland primary election when he casts his vote in Denver this summer, but may back whichever candidate he chooses.
Having declined to declare his intentions in a tightening race, he can expect the feelers to increase.
"It's clear that part of it is they understand I have a vote at the convention, and they know that my vote is uncommitted," says Cardin. "They want to establish a political relationship."
Of the 99 delegates whom Maryland Democrats will send to the national convention in August, 70 will be required by party rules to vote according to the results of the state primary Feb. 12.
But the 27 superdelegates - Gov. Martin O'Malley, the Democratic members of the state's congressional delegation and other party officials - face no such restrictions. (Two more delegates to be selected by the state party in May will enjoy similar freedom.)
Such free agents will make up a fifth of the nominating convention, and most remain undeclared.
If none of the candidates has secured a majority of delegates by the time the race reaches Denver, the superdelegates could decide which Democrat goes up against the Republican nominee this fall.
With Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards still jockeying for position, Rep. Chris Van Hollen calls this year's primary race "a whole new ballgame."
"In the past, the presidential candidates would seek the endorsements of superdelegates simply to establish their credibility," says the Montgomery County Democrat, who also has remained neutral. "Now it's not just whether or not it's helpful politically. The superdelegates could hold the key to the outcome."
That potential is not lost on the candidates.
While they're crisscrossing the country, making speeches and wooing primary voters, their aides are conducting what amounts to a parallel campaign, reaching out to superdelegates and negotiating for support.
