SuperDelegates?

i realize that most of you guys may already know about this, but it was shocking to me to find that the DNC has 715 superdelegates? given to people who earn recognition for party contribution, and existing outside the primaries?
they seem to be spread across 500 people, 75 big guys (gand of 75) and 425 others. www.prospect.org...
www.rhodescook.com...


it seems dean had an early lead among them in the begining but it transfered to kerry?www.dailystar.com...

feel free to move this if belongs in the mud pit

there appear to be about approx 450 delegates instead of 500, my misread.