[Oliver Optic]

Some people talk as though a “brokered” convention means we hit the reset button and pick someone from out of the blue.

Actually it would mean that those who arrive at the convention with the most delegates would try to make deals to swing more delegates their way to make a majority.

In other words, a “brokered” convention would most likely result in one of the RINO front-runners being nominated after some haggling and deal-making (perhaps with one of the other RINO front-runners being the running mate) ... not some fresh, sparkling conservative statesman being drafted.

The only way someone other than one of the front-runners would be drafted would be if the convention were hopelessly deadlocked after several ballots ... and even then it would probably be some GOP establishment guy, not likely anyone that would make Freepers happy.

[Realm Weekly]

Exactly. In the case of a brokered convention, it likely would come down to McCain and Romney.

Given the friendship McCain and Thompson have (despite political differences), I can see a scenario where McCain would pick up Fred to balance out the ticket and appease the conservative base, therefore getting the extra delegates needed.

And there you have it... McCain/Thompson ‘08

[Old Teufel Hunden]

I believe that if the first vote does not get the required amount of delegates, then all of the delegates are free to support any candidate. They are released from their pledges. It is not after multiple votes.

[deport]

Prior to Super Tuesday there will have been some 232 delegates chosen or at least been through some elective process. On Super Tuesday there will be 1081 delegates up for selection for a total of 1313 at days end. I don't think the winner who needs 1191 to nominated will reach that number by days end.

After Super Tuesday there will be another 1067 delegates available assuming no reinstatement of the penalized states. I think that Huckabee will be gone for sure and if Guiliani falters as the current polls are showing in his big states such as NY, CA, FL, NJ, etc. then he'll be gone. That will leave Romney and McCain to battle it out. I think one of them will secure the needed 1191 when it's over and there will be no brokered convention. My opinion and opinions are plentiful as most people have them.

Here are the Super Tuesday states that make up the 1081 delegates:

Alabama (48, WTAP/T2P+PP);
Alaska (29, CC);
Arizona (53, WTAP);
Arkansas (34, PP);
California (173, WTAP);
Colorado (46, CC);
Connecticut (30, WTAP);
Delaware (18, WTAP);
Georgia (72, WTAP);
Illinois (70, LP);
Massachusetts (43, PP);
Minnesota (41, CC);
Missouri (58, WTAP);
Montana (25, AP);
New Jersey (52, WTAP);
New York (101, WTAP);
North Dakota (26, CC);
Oklahoma (41, WTAP);
Tennessee (55, WTAP/PP);
Utah (36, WTAP);
West Virginia (30, WTA+PP+CC)