Reason #2016 Why Caucuses Suck: Clinton Wins Nebraska's (non-binding) Primary

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The AP has called the Nebraska Democratic Primary (which doesn't count) for Clinton. She's up 61-39. She lost the caucus, 58-42.

— Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) May 11, 2016

The AP has called Nebraska’s non-binding Democratic Primary for Hillary Clinton. The Primary is non-binding, because the state previously caucused in March; a contest Sanders won 57% to 43%. That result is the binding result that goes to the convention giving Sanders 4 more pledged delegates than Clinton. As of 12:35 a.m. EDT, the results tonight give Clinton a 6.5% lead with 98% of the precincts having reported.

In an attempt to make Nebraska more relevant in the primary picture, the state’s Democratic party decided to caucus in March.  However state funded, primary elections including local down ballot issues are mandated by the state legislature for the second Tuesday in May, thus the “double” election.

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Turnout for the NE caucuses was about 22k -- Sanders won by 14.In tonight's primary it's on pace to be about 70k -- Clinton up 22 points.

— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 11, 2016

In tonight’s results with more active participation (nearly 3 times the amount of voters), the candidates flipped. This is an interesting anecdote in the traditional primary versus caucus debate, especially in a state where the caucus wasn’t motivated by an attempt to save money.

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Clinton wins 0 delegates in Nebraska tonight, but wins a talking point on caucuses perhaps not reflecting will of larger electorate.

— Harry Enten (@ForecasterEnten) May 11, 2016

As Steve Kornacki of NBC notes, tonight’s results also seemingly undercut one of Sanders’ key arguments (and part of his stump speech).

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Ironically, these Nebraska results undercut Sanders' emphasis on high turnout. Suggests many of his big wins were result of *lower* turnout

— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 11, 2016