Convention Planners Prepare For Paul Disruptions

Ron Paul quit campaigning for the nomination.  But many of his supporters refuse to give up.  Like those isolate Japanese fighters said to be holed up in caves on Pacific Islands, incalcitrant confederate sympathizers flying the stars and bars at their homes and some birthers, they are still rallying for Ron.

But despite the large Ron Paul rally in Tampa on Sunday and the threats swirling around the convention that a number of delegates still plan to use the process to put Ron’s name into nomination (it might be easier than you think) the planners at the RNC have apparently given serious attention to the threat of disruption these fanatics pose.

The Republican National Convention seating chart,
obtained by POLITICO Sunday, shows the delegations from Nevada,
Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota and Oklahoma all located on the outer fringe
of the convention floor. Each are states with significant Paul
followings.

It is customary for vanquished candidates to cede delegates to the
presumptive nominee, but Paul has insisted he cannot tell his followers
what to do.

Paul told The New York Times on Sunday he turned down a speaking slot at
the convention because he refused to allow Romney’s team to vet his
speech. “I don’t fully endorse him for president,” he told the paper.

The GOP has been concerned that rebellious Paul supporters could cause
hiccups for Romney’s coronation as some have stated they may try to give
their delegates to Paul during the roll call. A candidate needs five
states to be officially recognized on the floor and Paul supporters have
made claims to Louisiana, Oregon, Massachusetts, Oklahoma and Maine.
Romney’s lawyers blocked that from happening in any official way, but
there’s little to prevent a delegation leader from going a different
route. [POLITICO]