Romney campaign counting chickens

If delegates are the chickens, then state conventions are the proverbial eggs, and many have yet to hatch. However, don’t tell this to the Romney Campaign or the mainstream media; fore, they are trying to suppress the aspirations of the Ron Paul loyal which are likely positioned to dominate upcoming GOP selection processes. In addition and contrary to popular belief, the precedent has been set that the binding of delegates by states is not recognized by the RNC, giving the establishment and their presumed nominee good reason to perspire. Consider what Jennifer Sheehan, a lawyer for the RNC, had to say in 2008:

“[The] RNC does not recognize a state’s binding of national delegates, but considers each delegate a free agent who can vote for whoever they choose.” (Full account here)

Thus, the National Convention in Tampa could hold unforeseen consequences for those who are asleep. By the way, what are the current delegate totals? This question has no definite answer. Let’s consider two sources, RealClearPolitics.com and TheReal2012DelegateCount.com. The former has Romney with 970 and Paul with 101 while the latter has Romney with 322, Paul with 128, and 1660 delegates still to be elected at state conventions. To say the least, these numbers paint very different pictures, and it is not clear how many of the “Romney” delegates are actually Paul supporters.

This scenario begs the question – Even if Romney technically has 1144 “bound” delegates come the convention, will the stealth Paul loyal cast their votes in accordance? Further, even under the direction of Ron Paul himself, would his followers comply with his request to be faithful to state guidelines binding them? Well, maybe… or, maybe not.

Ron Paul has inspired a movement which covets individual freedom, the foundation of his ideology. Will this profound respect for liberty among the Paulites compel them to disavow requests from their septuagenarian messenger? This certainly could be the case. Nonetheless, late August will provide a spectacle for those interested in the future of the Republican Party and the future of the Republic of the United States of America. One way or another, something tells me Paulites will make their message be heard.

Meanwhile, Romney continues counting chickens.