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Determining the convention rules

July 17, 2016 at 4:48AM

Rules for the Republican National Convention were set in meetings last week in Cleveland by the 112-member rules committee. A recap:

• Delegates who oppose Donald Trump's nomination tried to change the rules so that delegates could vote as they chose when picking a nominee. Under the plan, delegates would not be bound by primary or caucus results.

• Other delegates wanted to block the revolt by proposing that any changes made by the rules committee would go into effect only after the convention.

• The effort to change the rules and free the delegates to vote their "consciences" failed on a decisive vote, all but ending hopes that Trump's nomination could be derailed.

• There's one last chance for Trump's foes: A minority report could be issued by members of the rules committee voicing opposition to his candidacy. The report would have to be delivered on Monday — but that will happen only if 28 votes for it can be secured from the rules committee. Most members said after last week's vote that they think that's improbable.

• "Never Trump" leaders said after their defeat last week that they'll still try to find ways to state their case — and embarrass Trump — during the convention. But attempts to cause trouble at highly orchestrated political conventions are usually thwarted quickly.

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