Delegates for Brokered Conventions

[Captain Caveman]

If this has come up, please forgive the re-post...

It occurs to me that it would be good to discuss delegates for brokered conventions, how it works, what it entails in various states, and related things.

I work in Industry, and long ago learn the principle of covering all the bases up front in every way possible.

Please contribute and organize to this idea, we may need the Brokered Convention!

Thanks!

[ninepointfive]

If someone has a good explanation, we'll post it on the delegates training page.

[Sublyminal]

My understanding is that, it's sort of a vote off. They free up every vote and hope that some of the delegates that voted for one candidate turns and votes for the opposite. Basically if it came down to Newt vs Paul or Paul vs Romney, we'd have to get Newt or Romney delegates to switch their vote up to be for Paul only. Which I think may be impossible.

[FreeTraveler]

I'm copying this in from another thread because AED really laid the importance of delegates out in simple terms. Somebody else will have to explain the how, but he's done a great job of explaining the why. Bolding mine.

This is why it is so important and essential for as many Ron Paul supporters to become delegates. Even if RP does not win the Primary in your State, in a brokered convention he can win your States delegates. This is why I think if enough of us knew the system, that a brokered convention would be HUGE for us. If we fail to take advantage of the system, then it could become disastrous for us as allotted delegates that Paul won in the voting process could go to other candidates.

Imagine if there were 1000+ Ron Paul delegates at the convention? If it is a brokered convention we automatically win.

Interesting tidbit; this is exactly what Goldwater did. Goldwater delegates FLOODED the convention. Beat the establishment using their own system against them.

[Captain Caveman]

delegates training page?

Now I have to go look for that. :)

[ninepointfive]

delegates training page?

Now I have to go look for that. :)

check the links in my sig

[Travlyr]

delegates training page?

Now I have to go look for that. :)
http://ronpauldelegates.wordpress.com/

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?310241-Red-Alert!-Ron-Paul-Delegate-Training-Is-Critical!!&p=3483589&viewfull=1#post3483589

[MelissaWV]

You will need to look up how to become a delegate in your state. This may include having to network with your local GOP. I have been exchanging emails for some time with someone high up in my district, and have presented myself honestly: as a delegate to the 2008 WV GOP Convention who helped give Huckabee the win. I expressed a desire to help select the President who will shape policy at this most important time in history. I talked up economic concerns, and mentioned my aging parents a few times.

The reason I mention all of this is because the rules change almost constantly, and you can bet they will be slanted against "outsiders." You will have to walk like a duck and talk like a duck.

In some areas, of course, the delegates to the national convention are decided upon via voting or caucuses or conventions. That's why I say you have to look up your state's methods.

Once you are a delegate to the national convention, you may be bound to your state's winner (or Congressional district's winner, depending on your state). You will have to vote for them if they are still in it. You may have to do this for several rounds. Once that is done, there may be a call for a vote by acclamation, or there may be another means of determining who is actually the winner. You will be released from your prior binding.

It is worth noting that this was discussed ad nauseum in 2008, but people did not see Ron winning states, and seemed not to think it worthwhile to spend time and money becoming delegates bound to vote for McCain (with no challengers, so you were essentially going to have to vote McCain and help elect him). This Convention will likely have Ron and a couple of others in it... maybe even a few others. It behooves us to hope that one or two states go to Newt or Bachmann or Perry so that the race will stay as wide open as possible. True, those folks may make big speeches encouraging their delegates to go for whoever the establishment candidate is that is in the lead, but if WE are the delegates, WE can turn a deaf ear to it.

If that is all too big a mess, there are some words from 2008:

http://www3.webng.com/ronpaul/delegatestates.html

The state links are all but useless, and things have changed, but it will give you a general starting point.

After looking at it, it may make more sense as to why I am emailing and buddying up to GOP folks in my area ;)

[gerryb]

The campaign will train all those who become delegates, I'm sure.

More useful to spend time with those in your community working on getting elected as delegates

[Crystallas]

If you're confused on how it all works, then you need to focus on just your state. Every state is a little different.

[TheTyke]

My understanding is that most states have delegates bound to follow the results of the primary. Several states have unbound delegates who can vote for whoever they like. At a brokered convention however, it means that there was no clear majority for any candidate on the first vote for nominee. As the votes continue, delegates start becoming unbound (For example, I think Kentucky delegates are bound for 3 votes) - after which they can vote for whoever they like! Depending how the primary turns out, it is therefore possible that ALL delegates could end up voting the way they want.

So in EVERY state becoming a delegate could be absolutely critical depending how the primary goes. Also, let's look beyond just the presidential election.... delegates elect the Republican Party officials and even electors (of the college.) This in turn will have a dramatic effect on the acceptance and promotion of liberty candidates by the Party in the future. Therefore it is absolutely essential for the future of the liberty movement to maximize their influence.

[Captain Caveman]

Thanks for the links folks:
http://ronpauldelegates.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RonPaulDelegates2012

and the misc. links:
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?310241-Red-Alert!-Ron-Paul-Delegate-Training-Is-Critical!!&p=3483589&viewfull=1#post3483589

http://www3.webng.com/ronpaul/delegatestates.html

There is a lot to process here. I'm a single parent (with custody), and a working joe at that. But I will endeavor to do what I can.

[mmadness]

bump

[mmadness]

bump