Posted on 03/21/2012 12:18:31 PM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul's slim hopes of winning the Republican presidential nomination depend primarily on their ability to triumph at a contested convention in August. The idea is that if front-runner Mitt Romney falls short of the 1,144 delegates he needs to secure the nomination outright before the convention, his rivals will seize the opportunity to win over the Republican faithful during the convention process.
That long-shot strategy depends on Gingrich and Paul actually getting on the convention ballot. And it now appears that may be a problem. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution has noticed a little-known rule - No. 40(b), to be exact - that would seem to keep the two candidates from being able to participate in a floor fight.
The rule was adopted in 2008, and here's what it says: "Each candidate for nomination for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States shall demonstrate the support of a plurality of the delegates from each of five (5) or more states, severally, prior to the presentation of the name of that candidate for nomination."
[SNIP]
It's possible that even if Gingrich or Paul's delegates can't vote for their candidate on the first ballot, they could do so on subsequent ballots if Gingrich and/or Paul garners the support of a plurality of delegates from at least five states during the fight on the convention floor. Under Republican National Committee rules, Gingrich or Paul would need to be formally nominated after the first ballot for this to happen, and demonstrate their support in five states when this happens. It's an extremely unlikely scenario, though technically possible......
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
The fix is in, and has been since 2008.
You've got that exactly right. This whole ridiculous process is just a goon show for the rubes.
What’s been “vetted” this primary, is that the GOP Establishment has manipulated the process so much so, that the base is not given a voice in the selection of their nominee.
It is disgusting.
Yes, this is true. And provides all the more reason why we must solidy secure the anti-Romney vote in the remaining states. It is now confirmed by PPP and other exit polling data that between 48%-57% of the Gingrich vote would go to Santorum. Gingrich’s campaign is in the red, he’s registering record (60%) negatives among women according to a new ABC-Washington Post poll, and his support even among men is declining, his southern strategy has been reduced to ashes, he was seen strolling in zoos and parks during key primary contests, so he really has no legitimate purpose to continue in this race. Even ostriches with their heads buried in the sand occasinally raise their eyes to the sky to get a glimpse of reality. That time has come although it may be a bit too late in the game. Romney triumphed decisively in IL winning major demographics and for all intents and the purpose the Fat Lady now sings. We cannot act like inmates in a mental ward and continue to be in perpetual denial.
Hah! The TV and other media are laughing all the way to the bank. Nothing but a money stream for media with ads.
Congrats on most moronic post of the decade!
I will continue to support Gingrich.
Since my vote is mine, I choose to give it to the person who has earned it.
What was the rule before 2008?? Anyone remember??
Coming from the brain dead that’s quite a compliment.
I heard Rove last night saying Gingrich has no business strolling through zoos during the campaigns. Wow! I guess you heard it too!
Wow. These little critters seem to have been hard at this for some time. I never remember it being some so difficult to get on ballots before either. That Virginia thing. Why don’t the Bushes just email us with the nomination next time and save us the drama of pretending like we’re involved in this thing. Thanks Rinse and Repeat.
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.
apt and humorous. :)
Newt was at 20% in the national PPP poll today. He is making ground, but I think we need to find ways to take him to the people outside the GOP, too many are hoodwinked already or blind and will not see...
"Best policies" has to be able to be translated into votes and support...
PDF of 2008 RULES Adopted Sept 1, 2008 at the Republican National Convention [49 pages]
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."
I don’t understand why people are still pushing for Newt to drop out. That is the surest way Romney gets to 1144. If Newt were to drop out about half his support goes to Rick and half to Romney. A draw.
I don’t understand why people are still pushing for Newt to drop out. That is the surest way Romney gets to 1144. If Newt were to drop out about half his support goes to Rick and half to Romney. A draw.
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