Politics
Ron Paul Focuses on Adding Delegates for GOP Convention in Tampa
Around the State
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul
Paul picked up 21 out of 25 delegates up for grabs at conventions in Iowa over the weekend. Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who nosed out Romney to win more popular votes than any of the other candidates in Iowa, pulled out of the race earlier in the election cycle.
“We thank the many Iowa Republican activists for working tirelessly toward this meaningful victory, in particular the work they performed in the service of constitutional government and personal liberty,” said Jesse Benton, Paul’s national chairman in a statement. “This win is a real validation for our campaign and its many supporters in Iowa and across our great nation.
“We look forward to bringing the Ron Paul delegation to Tampa and to making a significant, positive contribution to the 2012 Republican Party platform,” added Benton.
While Paul is not expected to endorse Romney, his son, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has endorsed the former Massachusetts governor. Paul is also not expected to address the convention but, with around 200 delegates in the fold, he intends to flex his political muscles in Tampa.
“The goal of this rally is to kick off the week for our delegates, set the proper respectful and positive tone, and prove to the GOP establishment that you and I are the future of the Republican Party -- and that we stand behind our beliefs 100 percent,” Paul added.
The Texas congressman also released a Web video to supporters where he laid out his campaign’s plans for the convention in Tampa.
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“There is no doubt that you and I can win the future,” Paul insisted to supporters. “Tampa is an important step toward restoring liberty in our country and setting the stage for victories yet to come.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
Comments (5)
the GOP. No delegate is bound and is free to vote their conscience.
The naysayers are in for a huge surprise!
Republican Delegates Can Ignore Any “Committment” to Vote for Mitt Romney, and Can Instead Vote for Ron Paul If They Want
As set out in the Rules of the Republican Party, delegates have the ability to vote according to the delegates’ preference, even if that is contrary to the outcome of each state’s primary. According to one source, the legal counsel for the Republican National Convention in 2008 stated: “[The] RNC does not recognize a state’s binding of national delegates, but considers each delegate a free agent who can vote for whoever they choose.” Thus, if a delegate were to challenge his or her ability to vote as a free agent, he or she would have grounds under Rule 38.
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