There's a lot of talk about what the Democratic Party should do in 2012 and beyond to avoid nomination battles like the current one. I actually don't think much needs to be changed beyond the elimination of superdelegates.
If it weren't for superdelegates, the campaign would have been over on March 4, if not earlier. People will suggest that the proportional allocation system is the problem -- it's not. It's actually a good thing. Winning 10 states with 60%+ is much stronger than winning California with 50%+1 and should be treated as such.
The problem we have right now is the possibility that superdelegates could overturn the results of the primaries and caucuses. That's the only reason this campaign is continuing. Without superdelegates, it would be over.
I'll also bet you that all the elected officials who are superdelegates wish that there weren't any superdelegates this time around -- the last thing they want to do is vote one way or the other in August!
© Jed Lewison