I thought the rule was 2, not 5.
In any case, Ron Paul thought he had a chance in the caucus states, such as Maine.
And, Newt thought he had a chance with a Southern strategy, but Mitt kicked his butt in Florida, and then Rick kicked his butt first in Oklahoma and Tennessee, and then in Alabama and Mississippi. Rick looks like he will win in Louisiana this weekend. Where does this leave Newt?
If these fellows Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich cannot be nominated, I think it’s logical to presume their delegates will tend to gravitate, Paul’s to Romney and Gingrich’s to Santorum, although who really knows.
Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich are probably thinking , right now, about using their delegates to be the person who puts Mitt Romney over the top. To be the kingmaker, as it were.
I don’t think Newt would be a bad choice for Vice President. It would actually help, I think, for the media to jump all over Newt, they way they jumped all over Sarah Palin. Newt can handle it, just as Sarah did. But, if Newt waits until June 5, it’s possible Mitt will be the presumptive nominee and ticket to ride will expire.
Ron Paul is thinking, if he’s thinking, of the Constitution. Could Mitt agree to end the Fed, meaning, to support the idea, since Congress would have to pass the bill? Is there anything else on which a deal might be made with him?
If the number were still 2, Newt would already qualify, and Ron Paul might, depending on the actual outcome of the delegate selection process in Maine, Missouri and maybe a couple other states. But, 5, I don’t think either of them has a chance at 5.
The article gives more detail on Paul (I had to edit for length).
Per Jesse Benton (Paul's campaign chairman): "we are well positioned to carry WA, MN, AK, ND and ME among several others."