So, the contest for the leadership of the PD between Pier Luigi Bersani, Dario Franceschini, and Ignazio Marino is about the only political story that is ongoing as Italy enters its own silly season.

The leader will be chosen by a primary on the 25th October, preceded by a debate at the party’s congress two weeks prior. The congress will involve a vote on each candidate’s motion, but I have no idea whether the primaries will crown the winner of the vote at the party congress.

Although members of the Chamber of Deputies are only a part of the congressional delegates, they’re certainly an important group, especially in the “invisible primary”. So, in preparation for an article I’m writing together with Alex Wilson, I’ve decided to keep an eye on who they’re supporting. You can see the spreadsheet I’m using; if you have better information, add it in the comments below.

So far, the tally looks like this:

• 65 deputies supporting Bersani, with question marks surrounding Michele Ventura and Carlo Trappolino
• 47 deputies supporting Franceschini, with question marks surrounding Renzo Carella and Marco Causi (both are supporting Franceschini’s backed candidates in the elections for regional secretary, but I can’t find anything about support for Franceschini)
• 4 deputies supporting Marino
• 3 deputies who have declared that they have no preference
• 93 deputies for whom no info available/no declared preference