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