S. Carolina GOP Gives Trump Ultimatum-Pledge Allegiance to Rep. Nominee or You're Off Primary Ballot

Daily Mail ^ | August 25, 2015 | Francesca Chambers

[sevinufnine]

Donald Trump has until the end of next month to formally declare his allegiance to the Republican Party or his name will not appear on the South Carolina presidential primary ballot.

South Carolina GOP Chairman Matt Moore confirmed the requirement this afternoon that candidates filing as Republicans must pledge not to turn as a third-party candidate should they lose the nomination.

At least two other states - Virginia and North Carolina - are contemplating similar moves as way of keeping the unpredictable billionaire in check.

[sevinufnine]

Already, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, John Kasich and Ben Carson have affixed their signatures. Moore said in a statement that Scott Walker, Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham had committed to doing the same, within the next week.

Still missing, among others, are Trump, Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, Mike Huckabee and Chris Christie.

A spokeswoman for Trump declined to comment on the ultimatum that is clearly directed at the former Democrat who has said he could compete in the general election as an independent if he doesn't win the GOP nomination.

'I want to keep that door open. I have to keep that door open because if something happens where I'm not treated fairly I may very well use that door,' Trump said on CNN several weeks ago.

The state's so-called sore-loser law would block any candidate who seeks the Republican, or Democratic nomination, from running as independent in the general election anyhow.

So, regardless of whether the party includes language on its primary ballot demanding candidates rule out a third-party run, Trump would have to decide whether he's all-in for the Republican Party by the Oct. 1 filing deadline or plan to concede Virginia in the general election as an independent before he knows for certain he won't be the GOP nominee.

[Red Badger]

Sounds like Torquemada’s descendants are alive and well.................

[Arm_Bears]

Well, so much for retiring to South Carolina.

[headstamp 2]

time for a write-in campaign.

[txrefugee]

Sounds like an idea from Hailey “Boss Hog” Barbour from MS.

[Salvavida]

No legal effect.

[Not A Snowbird]

Can they legally do that?

[Dr. Sivana]

Trump would have to decide whether he's all-in for the Republican Party by the Oct. 1 filing deadline or plan to concede Virginia in the general election as an independent before he knows for certain he won't be the GOP nominee.

He could likely have a proxy run in his stead with Trump friendly electors.

[Uncle Miltie]

Revenge of the GOPe.

This is exactly why we hate you.

[Kenny]

Translation, if we cut your legs out from underneath you, riddle you with bullet holes, and toss your worthless carcass in the ocean, you have to promise not to strike back.

[ilgipper]

Sounds to me like Lil Lindsey is the one that needs to sign it. He’s sworn to take down bad, bad meanie Trump no matter what.

[silverleaf]

If he signs the “pledge” ( what is this, a sorority?)
loses to dirty tricks that we have seen,
and breaks the pledge, then what?

Linda already said he would not vote for Trump

[ballearthout]

Now that would be hilarious. lol

[canuck_conservative]

Trump is in the lead, and on track to win it, so it shouldn’t be a big deal ... and it’s obvious other state parties will probably impose a similar requirement, so there’s no avoiding it.

BUT let Trump attach one condition - support only if the GOP doesn’t play any games with the delegates ... if they do that, then the pledge is void

[sevinufnine]

I know. This disturbs me as I’m in Virginia and will likely be voting for him unless they manage to keep him off the ballot.

[deweyfrank]

Trump is not being treated fairly. Here we go. Get your popcorn ready.

[Little Ray]

Hmmm.
Does it have any legal force? I’d consider just signing it and ignoring it. Tell ‘em “See ya in court.”

[rightwingcrazy]

Could he still run as a Democrat?

[Resettozero]

Well, so much for retiring to South Carolina.

That's okay. Retire where you find life better for you.

Ever since that little outburst by unruly cadets from The Citadel, the New Englanders have kept a tight thumb on South Carolina's ability to self-rule.

[DannyTN]

They are going to try to thwart the will of 40% of the GOP (and growing)?

1. In the beginning, Trump should ignore it. Let speculation grow. It'll be another topic in which Trump dominates the media. And because it smacks of unfair tactics specifically aimed at Donald, Donald's popularity will rise.
2. Trump should call them out. He should point out that they are trying to require allegiance to an unknown candidate and its similar to passing legislation to find out what's in it. And he should name some names behind the pledge.
3. Can we throw out the leadership of the SC Republican party before the end of next month and change the pledge.
4. The pledge says "Generally support". Which I would assume gives enough wiggle room. Trump could always say a particular candidate is incompetent to promote the Republican platform and therefore he can't support them.
5. Trump should make a point that even though the pledge is undemocratic, that there is no reason to believe he will not be the nominee. So of course he will support the nominee.