I’ve made this point a couple of times. The rule doesn’t say anything about how many delegates a candidate has won in each state - it is whether a majority of delegates from eight different states are willing to sign a statement of support for the candidate. Theoretically, if enough Trump delegate spots were filled bu Cruz or Kasich supporters in states where Trump won a majority of the delegates, and those delegates refused to sign the statement of support, Trump could wind up not having enough states to be nominated. Now, I don’t see that happening - but the way the rule is written, it would be possible.
Hi CA Conservative —
Yes, I remember you raising this exact issue a couple of times. They were more fully explained in your earlier posts. Reality is that the RNC Rules member is responding directly to the question being asked. The medium asking doesn’t know enough to follow up.
I believe you are correct - that the certification of a majority of delegates of eight states is required. I know that if I were a delegate (I am not) pledged to Trump as a result of the states voting allocation, I would have personal reservations signing a certification. I would think that there are delegates with integrity of their convictions. But, I still think Mr. Trump will be able to cobble together eight state delegations.
Over the last week I’ve had occasion to talk with a former Corporation Commissioner (Democrat not supporting Clinton or Sanders) and a banker (Republican supporting Kasich). The sense was the same - this entire election cycle is in disarray.
I’m continually amazed at people that want others to quit before the final buzzer. That’s why Texas A&M came from 12 points behind with 14 seconds on the clock. We, as Americans, are taught to play the entire time, and never give up or shave points. I learned many years ago that I never should make decisions for others unless they ask me, and pay me. Cruz will do what Cruz will do. Trump will do what Trump will do. We are all spectators on the passing scene. We may not make the same decisions as them, but we don’t have any authority to make it for them. But, let’s let the game play out under the rules. The goal (for nomination) is 1237; regardless of which ballot it may come.
Sorry for the rant, my FRiend.
Gwjack
Here's the rule. Let's talk it out.
(b) Each candidate for nomination for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States shall demonstrate the support of a majority of the delegates from each of eight (8) or more states, severally, prior to the presentation of the name of that candidate for nomination. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these rules or any rule of the House of Representatives, to demonstrate the support required of this paragraph a certificate evidencing the affirmative written support of the required number of permanently seated delegates from each of the eight (8) or more states shall have been submitted to the secretary of the convention not later than one (1) hour prior to the placing of the names of candidates for nomination pursuant to this rule and the established order of business.[snip]
(e) If no candidate shall have received such majority, the chairman of the convention shall direct the roll of the states be called again and shall repeat the calling of the roll until a candidate shall have received a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the convention.
It seems to me that names are placed into nomination only once, no later than 60 minutes before the first calling of the rolls. Additional calling of the rolls pertain only to the names placed into nomination 60 minutes before the first roll call.
Now, and here is the tricky part, it seems to me that delegates bound to a candidate for the first roll call cannot switch their statement of support before that roll call when the certificate of support is due; they are still pledged. Also, no new "white knight" candidate can be added after the first roll call, as calls for nominations and certificates of support are closed.
The only recourse is to fundamentally change rule 40 at the convention, which would require the cooperation of the Trump and Cruz delegates to reach an affirmative majority; or party convention managers can pull the voice vote "Ayes have it" trickery and trigger a riot.
-PJ