MAINE: If the Convention is invalidated, is Romney off the ballot?

[ChrisDixon]

There are reports flying now that the RNC is going to invalidate the State Convention and thus invalidate all officers elected there, including State and National Committee members. Not sure if this is the RNC themselves or the result of the Staples/Cianchette challenge expanding, but this could actually destroy Romney.

On the one hand, Maine is a small state among many. On the other, however, CD #2 is considered very important right now.

Here is where it gets interesting: Qualifying Party laws

Title 21-A §301 1 B-

The party held a state convention as prescribed by Article III during the election year in which the designation was listed on the ballot and any interim election year; and [1999, c. 450, §1 (AMD).]

Title 21-A §301. 2-

A party which qualifies under subsection 1 to participate in a primary election must, in that same year, hold a state convention as prescribed by Article III in order to have the party designation of its candidates printed on the ballot in the general election of that year.

We did hold a convention, but what happens if that is invalidated?

We fail to qualify for the general election, hypothetically. Of course, as far as I can tell, this is uncharted territory.

But it appears to me, that without a valid convention, we fail as a party to fulfill the requirements and thus...

Mitt Romney should legally be OFF the general election ballot in November.

Thoughts?

[John F Kennedy III]

Off the ballot in November for Maine or all together?

[ChrisDixon]

Off the ballot in November for Maine or all together?

Just for Maine, this is Maine law.

[John F Kennedy III]

Just for Maine, this is Maine law.

That would be awesome. What are his chances of winning Maine if he is on the ballot?

[maxoutco]

It isn't going to happen. They will pass some amendment to bypass it if that's the case. It's a party that doesn't follow its rules.

[ChrisDixon]

That would be awesome. What are his chances of winning Maine if he is on the ballot?

At this point? Not a chance in hell. The party is collapsing here with the challenge, Charlie Webster's antics, and the replacement delegates actually going.

I'd even go as far as predicting that Gary Johnson could take more than a percentage point of the vote in Maine. He would need 5% to make LPME official here.

[jkr]

THEYLL JUST CHEAT


AGAIN

[ChrisDixon]

If cheating occurs, it's no longer the party, it's the State Government.

Then this really becomes a shit storm.

[specsaregood]

At this point? Not a chance in hell. The party is collapsing here with the challenge, Charlie Webster's antics, and the replacement delegates actually going.

I'd even go as far as predicting that Gary Johnson could take more than a percentage point of the vote in Maine. He would need 5% to make LPME official here.

On the flipside, what will it take from the state party to invalidate the national results and put the winner of their convention on the state ballot instead?

[S.Shorland]

Off to bed.Hope I wake up tomorrow to find something came up from hell and ate Romney but I'm doubtful.