Ron Paul and the Nevada Republican Convention Fiasco

Posted by The Anon Guy on April 28, 2008 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Traditionally, Nevada’s political conventions have been a relatively staid and sparsely attended affair. Since the results are usually a formality, as the nominee is almost always anointed by the time the Silver State comes together, these meetings are mainly for the party faithful who do the heavy lifting during the year. In other words, a small minority.

But whenever you have the combination of low attendance and a rabid base, funny things can happen. That’s what occurred Saturday in Reno with the Nevada GOP convention when Ron Paul supporters swamped the Peppermill and forced a a vote that gave them a chance to snare a good number of national delegates. In the end, though, the convention was cancelled before the final selection of delegates was completed.

Here’s a wrap up of what actually happened from a variety of local sources, including the much-maligned, at least in some circles, Bob Beers:

Chaos Over Paul Cuts Short Gathering — Reno Gazette Journal’s Anjeanette Damon’s in-print account of the day. A good story, but for the real blow-by-blow scoop see next.
Inside Nevada Politics — Damon’s political blog has 14 entries on what happened.
NEVADA POLITICS: GOP Convention Cut Short “Some supporters of Ron Paul riled after time runs out at state party event.” — Molly Ball with the Las Vegas Review-Journal weighs in.
Ron Paul Supporters Make Mark — Carson City’s Nevada Appeal’s account, including threats made towards convention chairman, and state senator, Beers.
Ron Paul Backers Outmaneuver Nevada GOP Establishment — Reno’s KOLO-8’s coverage, including video.
GOP State Convention — Beers own account of what happened. And for the Paul supporters gunning for him in some conspiracy theory, let me just say two things. 1) Beers was a Fred Thompson supporter, not a McCain one. 2) If there is one straight-shooter in Nevada’s legislature who isn’t afraid of answering a tough question or talking (twice) to a lowly blogger (as well as run one himself) it is Beers.