Gov. Tim Pawlenty isn't known for going on and on and on in speeches, but at the Minnesota Republican Party convention he could this year.
According to the Party's convention rules for the late April convention in Minneapolis, most speakers are limited to 5 or 10 minutes. But not TPaw.
Subject to Rule 24i the Chair at any time may invite any office holder or distinguished guest to address the Convention from the podium for a period not to exceed five (5) minutes. Endorsed non-incumbent Republican Congressional candidates shall address the floor for a period not to exceed five (5) minutes. Speakers indicated on the official agenda shall not exceed ten (10) minutes. Governor Tim Pawlenty shall be exempt from this time restriction.
A few other rules will give shape to the contested gubernatorial endorsement fight, chiefly being waged by state Rep. Marty Seifert and state Rep. Tom Emmer:
A motion for "no endorsement" shall only be in order during the endorsement process after the tenth ballot and every fifth ballot there after. Such a motion need not be made by a delegate or seated alternate who voted with the majority on the original motion to endorse for that office.
g. Any candidate failing to receive less than 5% of the vote on the first ballot, 10% of the vote on the third ballot, or 20% of the vote on the fifth ballot, or any subsequent ballot, shall cease to be considered a candidate for endorsement. After the fifth ballot and every second ballot thereafter, the Convention Co-Chairs may allow each remaining candidate five minutes to address the convention in an order determined by drawing of lots.
h. A motion to recess will not be in order during the endorsement process. The only business to be conducted during the endorsement process is motions pertinent to the endorsement process or Platform Committee Report.
i. A person seeking the endorsement for any public office to be considered at this convention shall not be allowed to speak from the podium in any capacity other than as a candidate until after the endorsement is decided for the office he/she is seeking. This rule shall not prevent a candidate from participating as a delegate or seated alternate to this Convention.
