[freespirit2012]

My question is.. and I have not found an answer yet.. has anyone ever come within 5 or 10 percent of reaching the delegate majority and not be given the nomination when it goes to a second ballot?

[fooman]

often in the 19th century. Including lincoln.

[Cboldt]

-- has anyone ever come within 5 or 10 percent of reaching the delegate majority and not be given the nomination when it goes to a second ballot? --

Brokered Conventions Often Make A Winning GOP President.

Technically, I think the answer to your question is "no." But the historical examples are interesting.

[21twelve]

Seward had almost 75% of the delegates, but lost to Lincoln on the third ballot.