North Dakota Republicans at their state convention in Fargo selected 25 of their 28 national delegates on Sunday. The state isn't holding a primary or caucus in the 2016 GOP race, but its sudden appearance in the spotlight is one of the most unmistakable signs yet that the party could be headed to its first contested national convention in 40 years, where North Dakota's 28 delegates — barely 1 percent of the overall total — could tip the scales. "For once, a little state like ours makes a big difference," said state Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo.
Those delegates do not have to publicly declare their intentions before they vote at the national convention in July, and they are free to change their minds at any time. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas addressed the convention on Saturday and former candidate Ben Carson worked the floor for Donald Trump.
NEWS SERVICES
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Politics
Nation
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Nation
Inside the courtroom where Trump was forced to listen to Stormy Daniels
Donald Trump squirmed and scowled, shook his head and muttered as Stormy Daniels described the unexpected sex she says they had nearly two decades ago, saying she remembered ''trying to think of anything other than what was happening.''
Business
Alabama lawmakers approve tax breaks for businesses that help employees afford child care
Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation to provide state tax breaks to businesses that help their employees afford childcare.
Politics
Ethics panel takes up complaint against Republican senator who sent graphic video link
Sen. Erin Maye Quade said Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen's email linking to genital surgery violated Senate ethical norms.
Nation
Transgender activists flood Utah tip line with hoax reports to block bathroom law enforcement
Transgender activists have flooded a Utah tip line created to alert state officials to possible violations of a new bathroom law with thousands of hoax reports in an effort to shield trans residents and their allies from any legitimate complaints that could lead to an investigation.