Ron Paul Delegate Roundup: His Massachusetts People Lose, His Louisiana Fight Goes to Round Two
Despite the massive coronation for Romney/Ryan being planned for the Republican National Convention in Tampa next week, Ron Paul forces continue to fight for their representation. But they aren't winning many fights.
In Massachusetts, where a bunch of Ron Paul delegates were booted from their seats for (mostly, it's complicated, see my earlier accounts from July and August) refusing to sign affidavits swearing they'd vote for Romney, the Boston Globe is reporting that the Paul delegates bid to be re-seated has failed.
And in Louisiana, where the state party sent a disputed group of non-Paul delegates to Tampa, the Paul campaign is trying a second round of complaints with the RNC to challenge the state's choice after their first try failed. CNN with the nitty-gritty:
In the days leading up to the Republican Party of Louisiana's state convention in June, an affidavit and supplemental rules were distributed to participants. The affidavit required the signature of delegates selected to go to the national convention to vote for the candidate they were bound to by the State Central Committee.
Paul's supporters refused to sign the affidavit because it gave the power to the state executive committee to replace unallocated delegates.
Instead, they had their own vote at the state convention in protest of the party's rules.
"The affidavit and supplemental rules systemically changed the way that Louisiana elected National Delegates," [Charlie] Davis [chair of the Louisiana Ron Paul campaign] wrote in the memo [sent to the RNC]. "Both documents are clear violations of the national requirement that all rules must have been submitted to the RNC last October 1."
Jason Doré, executive director of the state party, said the campaign was aware the affidavit and rules were coming and that draft versions were sent in the days leading up to the state convention…..
The Paul campaign is requesting contestants and respondents be given time to cross-examine those who filed an affidavit. It is also requesting electronic communication between the RNC and Louisiana Republican Party staffs - which it says coordinated the rules - be turned over to the committee.
The Committee on Contests will make a recommendation to the party based on the hearing, scheduled for Tuesday. The credentials committee will then vote to recommend that the entire convention keep or strip the current delegates.
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