Wouldn’t Newt and Rick prevail on the second ballot in that case? If their delegates combined totalled more than Romney’s, then when one directs theirs to vote for the other guy, they should be in like Flynn.
What is the enforcement mechanism to make the delegates vote for who they’re “supposed” to? Are their votes just not counted if they stray off, and it’s just a formality?
By the way, the delegates aren’t “pledged” in every state, so even on the first ballot some can vote for whoever they want to. I think that the candidates have some say in picking which of their delegates get to go to the convention though, so one hopes they would have some certainty they were true believers. But there is evidence the Ron Paul people are lying about who they support to get in as delegates.
Here is some info on the Ron Paul delegate-stealing plan:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2843327/posts
Not necessarily. Either Gingrich or Santorum would have to give up after the first ballot and I don't see that happening unless one or the other has a commanding lead and gets something in exchange (i.e., the VP slot).
Unless someone gets a majority on the second ballot, then there are no winners or losers on the second ballot. They keep voting until someone gets the necessary majority. In between ballots they gather in chewing gum filled rooms (since smoking is now prohibited in most convention centers)and make back room deals.