[RitaOK]

Rules are set prior to the Convention by the Rules Committee, but voted on by the body of delegates in the Convention.

However, lest we forget, the RUUUULES can be changed *during* the convention as. it. progresses.

That dang 1237 is out of reach in a field of 17, compared to a field of six.

Endless money keeps many contenders in way too long and when they finally exit, the system ties up their delegates under the mantel of “unpledged” until Convention day.

These failed candidates then hold too much sway at the Convention, over their “unpledged delegates”, swinging them to whomever serves his or her interests and not to the will of the people.

[teletech]

These failed candidates then hold too much sway at the Convention, over their “unpledged delegates”, swinging them to whomever serves his or her interests and not to the will of the people.

How do you spell GOP? C O R R U P T!

[jjotto]

Depends on the state. Some states bind delegate votes entirely, some make them unpledged if their candidate drops out with varying rules for what constitutes dropping out. No state or RNC rule binds delegates to the wishes of their candidate in any deal-making.