Ron Paul to get more GOP delegates?

In a possible surprise GOP rule switch in Utah, things could get interesting in the Republican race. State convention might release Romney delegates from voting for Mitt. This means Ron Paul could benefit. It is very evident now that the Ron Paul Revolution will not go quietly, as, of course, it has nowhere to go other than onwards. As they have done in Nevada, Minnesota and elsewhere, a number of Utah Ron Paul backers are trying to get elected today as delegates to the Republican National Convention where, under a proposed rule change, they could be free to vote for whomever they want.

I get the impression most city slickers, TV pundits and politico pollsters haven't bothered to follow the Republican race in detail, so these things are not publicised to any great extent. Lowell Nelson, a Paul supporter running for national delegate, said he doesn't anticipate chaos erupting today, or going to St. Paul to vote for Paul. He just wants to see the rules stay the same and bind the delegates to vote for Romney, at least on the first round of balloting. “For us, as a Republican Party, to consider unbinding the delegation from that obligation, from that expectation, is a bit inappropriate, very inappropriate, like changing the rules in the middle of the game,” said Nelson. “I believe we ought to honor the will of the state of Utah by casting those 36 votes for Mitt Romney.” But, if McCain is unable to lock up the nomination on the first ballot, the delegates would be free to support anyone. That could open the door for Romney, says Nelson, although he would likely vote for Paul.

Does anyone think John McCain couldn't lock up the nomination? Probably not. But all this rule changing and back-room dealing leads to uncertainty. Whatever else, this whole process has shed some light on the rather dubious methods used in the selection of candidates through caucuses and primaries.

Posted in: GOP,Mitt Romney,Presidential Election 2008,Republican Party,Ron Paul