Sarah Palin, Some RNC Members Push for Convention-Floor Fight
Aug 28, 2012 11:54am
EmailA convention-floor fight might still be brewing in Tampa. Fla., over a proposed Republican Party rule on delegates.
Some Republican National Committee members were up in arms Monday about a proposed rule that would weaken states control of who gets to attend future national conventions as voting delegates. While primaries typically determine how manydelegate votes candidates will receive, states typically meet later to fill out those delegate rosters. A new rule would allow presidential candidates to veto those choices.
Republican National Committeeman Jim Bopp, who had led the movement against the rule, reached a compromise with other RNC members Monday, but some of his fellow partisans have rejected it, according to internal emails obtained by ABC News.
Fanning the flames, Sarah Palin posted to her Facebook page urging Republican National Committee members to revolt against the proposed rule, which was supported by backers of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
Palin wrote Monday night:
Had a great time today in Gilbert, Arizona, at a rally for Kirk Adams. Its very important to pay attention to these down ballot races like Kirk Adams, Jeff Flake, and Paul Gosar in Arizona. We have t! o remembe! r that this election is not just about replacing the party in power. Its about who and what we replace it with. Grassroots conservatives know this. Without the energy and wisdom of the grassroots, the GOP would not have had the historic 2010 electoral victories. Thats why the controversial rule change being debated at the RNC convention right now is so very disappointing. Its a direct attack on grassroots activists by the GOP establishment, and it must be rejected. Please followthe link to Michelle Malkins articleabout this.
Bopps compromise would eliminate the ability for presidential candidates to veto state delegate selections, instead mandating that delegates vote as they are bound by primary or caucus results, but fellow RNC members are not all on board.
According to internal RNC emails, some members will push for a minority report to block the delegate rule change, attempting to push that to the convention floor for a vote, potentially adding a show of disunity to Mitt Romneys coronation as the partys presidential nominee.
Perhaps lost in the RNCs internal dispute is a broader change that would effectively prevent future candidates from pursuing Rep. Ron Pauls strategy of amassing delegates at state conventions.
Another proposed change, untouched by Bopps compromise, would eliminate unbound Republican delegates, requiring every state to allocate delegates to presidential candidates according to statewide votes. Paul remained a topic of conversation this year without winning any states, as his supporters out-organized longstanding local party members at county and state conventions in a handful of states.
Paul gained plurality delegate support in four states in 2012; under the new rule, he would not enjoy plurality delegate support in any state.
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