Can McCain get Romney's delegates?

Posted: Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:38 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Whether Romney's 282 delegates can be given to McCain depends on each state's rules on "releasing" delegates, per the RNC.

Language to watch for during Romney's endorsement is if he says he is "releasing" his delegates "to McCain." That, or some variation, may be enough in some states where he won BOUND delegates.

Caucus states' rules are less restrictive and several of these states' delegates are completely unbound and may be able to go to whomever they so choose.

Here are the primary state delegates Romney has won: Ark. (1), Calif. (6), Ga. (3), Ill. (3), Mass. (22), Mich. (23), N.H. (4), Tenn. (8) and Utah (36).

Caucus state delegates won: Alaska (12), Colo. (43), Iowa (7), Maine (18), Minn. (38), Mont. (25), Nev. (17), N.D. (8), Wyo. (8).

Of these, all of the primary delegates are pledged. But, of the caucuses, the following are not bound: Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada and Wyoming.

*** UPDATE *** Highlighting how complicated this all can be, the Massachusetts Republican Party, said once Romney says his delegates can be released, then they are no longer bound to him, BUT they aren't sure if they would be legally bound to McCain -- if Romney so urges -- or if they can vote their conscience. They are checking.

*** UPDATE 2 *** For perspective, NBC News' Election Unit reminds us that in many states, the actual delegates -- the actual people who will sit at the convention and vote -- have not been elected yet. Even in a state where Romney won pledged delegates, unless they are actually elected already, the next phase could elect delegates who are McCain, Huckabee or uncommitted or something else. And in many states, it's not likely that a candidate who releases his delegates could "bind" them to another candidate.

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Comments

Good for Mitt, good for McCain, good for the GOP. I just hope McCain recognizes that Romney would be the best running mate he could choose going into November. A McCain/Romney ticket will beat anything the Dems put together!

Jason, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:19 PM)

Dr Dave is an idiot. Oh...my candidate isn't winning so I'm going to whine until I get to vote for somebody else. Sorry but that's not the way it works nor should it. Given the chance, the majority of the people who voted for Romney (INCLUDING ME) would not vote for Huckabee anyway. Like Mitt said in his CPAC speech, everyone needs to rally behind the strongest GOP candidate, like him or not, to keep the liberals Clinton or Obama out of the White House. Neither are worthy of this office, especially commander in chief of our armed forces.

Tom Spradlin, Alpharetta, GA (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:20 PM)

This still won't stop the embarrassment Mc Cain will face when Hucks supporter in Texas vote for him and not Mc Cain. Hopefully Huck will have the money and energy to continue to embarass Mc Cain with his Conservative following. Some of these delegates are bound and some are unbound and can give their votes to Ron Paul or Huck on Election night if there is a second vote.

Vi WI (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:22 PM)

All three should give a speach at the convention and unite beyond McCain. Honestly, I don't care who wins I like no one; first time in 40 years as a die-hard republican in the fine state of Massachusetts That comment includes the Dems too It is Mickey Mouse Time!

Tom, Bedford, Massachusetts "Home of The Revolution" (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:25 PM)

Huckabee is toooo honest and has more respect than to suck up to Mitt. Sad, this country forgot why and how it was first formed. McCain needs to go home because it does not matter. Oboma is our next President. The news media has already elected him. I am sure McCain is getting advice from Dole.

alan, horn lake ms (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:26 PM)

This sounds like a bait and switch trick. McCain is no conservative (he's more akin to a liberal democrat that happens to be runnning on the Republican ticket) and I'm sure that many conservatives, had they known their vote would go to McCain eventually would have reconsidered before casting their vote for Romney...

John, Provo Utah (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:26 PM)

I really wonder who McCain's veep will be. I don't see it being Romney or Huckabee. Anybody have any REAL guesses who it might be?

Bill Steed, Mobile, AL (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:27 PM)

I am not a Latter Day Saint, but I really did like Romney. I like Huckabee better and have voted Absentee Ballot for him. He won my county. I do hope most of the delegates released by Romney go to Huckabee.
Parson

John W. Best (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:27 PM)

There will be a Democrat in The White HOuse. The GOP has imploded. It's a beautiful sight except that they dragged the country down with them. They, of course, have no one to blame but themselves. King George and his Base. Vote for whichever Democrat is running against McCain.

Change is in the air and that is the Democrat party.

Lassie (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:28 PM)

Seems the "super delegates" should be people who are out of college and have a actual job, not some college student that dosnt work in the real world. and whats really bad is those are prolly the same college students that have hardcore liberal teachers.

N (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:29 PM)

Ron Paul has more delegates than the mainstream media lets on!

Dave, PA (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:29 PM)

ROMNEY DROPPED OUT NOW BACKS MCCAIN? PLANNED OR NOT? VP?ROMNEY

CHUCK (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:29 PM)

romney might as well have sent his support to the man in the moon as anyone with a reasonable ammount of sanity that votes republican in the upcoming election should be committed to the luney bin after what bush and his pimps have done in the last eight years VOTE DEMOCRATIC AND WIN BACK THE COUNTRY

DAN MCLAUGHLIN (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:33 PM)

DAN MCLAUGHLIN (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:34 PM)

Unless the American people wake up this country is head for a major crisis. The dollar is worth less and less every day. We are dumping money into everything from THE WAR, to No children left behind. This country was founded on State's right and SMALL government. Maybe we should start thinking for ourselves, before that right is taken away as well.

Steve, Ga (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:36 PM)

Huckabee has been called "the best natural campaigner" in this race. He has the likeability factor that McCain needs to campaign effectively against Obama.

By the way, it's just silly to think we need some sort of economic messiah in the Presidency/Vice Presidency. We need economists to handle economic policy, not businessmen. (Remember, it wasn't Reagan who devised supply side economics...it was ECONOMIST Keynes...and proposed as policy to Reagan by USC professor and ECONOMIST Art Laffer.) Plus, we are in a cyclical correction. Any economy NEEDS short cooling off periods to stay healthy in the long run. We'll pull out of it soon enough.
The true culprit in this correction is the MSM. They are going by the old playbook of emotionalizing/sensationalizing economic news in order to impact consumer confidence. Our economy goes as our consumer confidence goes. Think back to the end of the Clinton presidency. Greenspan had been saying for MONTHS that the market was "irrationally exuberent" and that people were going to get hurt. Did the media try to educate people about this? No. Why? Because they were motivated to make the Clinton administration have a positive economic legacy. They didn't care about what their agenda did to the common person.

T. Boeckmann (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:36 PM)

mcain has been in office for years and you see where the country is. we need fresh ideas and some
morals in the whitehouse. i like mike!!

mickey cockerham jena,la (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:37 PM)

I'm not a Republican (yet), but sure could get behind one soon if only they would screw up the courage to tell the religions right to take a hike! McCain comes closest, so far.

Buzz (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:46 PM)

Again, Romney has shown his true character in forgiving McCain for the disdain McCain had for him. McCain likely will not choose him since that is is character. But if he did, it would be the best decision McCain has ever made. It would also fill a large void in his credentials and experience needed to run the country. It would shore up his ticket an improve his armour against attacks from the DEM's. In the final analysis Romney is a true conservative and would rather try to save what we can as conservatives than let the DEM's destroy our country in the next four years and turn it into an even more socialistic state.

V123 (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:50 PM)

The smartest thing McCain could do would to be draft Colin Powell or Condaleeza Rice for VP. IF he goes with Romeny or Huckabee it will be two white guys from the Republican establishment vs. either a Black or a woman, both of which have extremely strong constituate groups among minorites. McCain cant win without appealing to those same constituent groups already tilting turns Obama or Hilary. The wind is blowing democratic this year and the Republicans cant be seen as the same old kind of ticket competing against a party of change and new ideas (be they what they may).

RR (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:51 PM)

The way I see it is that Romney may be hoping to be in a position for VEEP. and then would be in position better suited for him in four years from then . after all we do not know just what will happen in the next four years with McCain he is no spring chicken you know . Let's just wait and see, shall we?

Cliff Winkler @ Winnemucca,Nevada (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:55 PM)

Hillary is my candidate of choice because I really think she's more experienced than Obama, but if he wins the Democratic nomination I will vote for him because politcally I agree with them both. I am a Latino but my choice is not based on that fact. How many African-Americans can say that.

Jesse Ortega (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:56 PM)

Did Giuliani release his ONE delegate??
Curt, Cary, NC

Excellent!!!

brian, houston tx (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:56 PM)

Mike Huckabee is the biggest con-artist, - besides Hillary. If he were really the preacher that he claims to be he wouldn't be USING religion to get votes. As far as I'm concerned he's nothing but a traveling "country" preacher, selling snake oil poison. Never mind the kind of church he's USING to do his sermonizing in, just pass the plate, 'cause he needs the money! And, oh yeah, that he really does believe in the same God they do and that he is the REAL conservative. He's not only a joke, he's the biggest phoney campaigning. Bigger than Hillary, and, for me, that's saying a lot.

Flo Rachuig, Rockwall, Tx. (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:58 PM)

That Mitt is so forgiving.You listen to his endorsement speech for McCain, and you can sense that he is a man with honest and good intentions for the good of everyone and our country.He does`nt waste time to fight, but unite, looked for a common ground to work together.He never said, he is changing the principles he believed.He was so clear that he and McCain still has a difference in opinion.

Reena,Kelso,WA (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 5:59 PM)

FTA: "the Massachusetts Republican Party, said ... [the delegates] are no longer bound to [Romney], BUT they aren't sure if they would be legally bound to McCain ... They are checking."

This can't be the first time a Republican candidate won Michigan then bowed out. How can the Michigan RC's lawyers not know the answer to this?

Rob, NYC (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:01 PM)

Huckabee is just an honorable man. The reason the pundits and many of you posting here think he's been angling for a VP slot is because honor is an incredibly rare quality in an American, and you don't know what it looks like. Watch Huckabee keep fighting, proving that he's in this not for political gain, but on the principal that the Republican party is a shadow of what it once was, and it's up to the REAL leaders to change that. Huckabee is the only Republican leader because he's the only one who hasn't sold out for popularity. He's a real conservative and that scares the powerful to death. Watch Huck's army fight and prepare to be stunned by our STRENGTH!

Katie, IA (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:03 PM)

I have never heard of a candidate forcing his delegates to vote for another candidate. It's wrong! The loser dropped out and should have no more say in the process. Period. He's just trying stick his nose in McStain's crusty crotch for shot at the VP. This party is making me sick to my stomach!! If it wasn't for Ron Paul I'd switch to indy immediately.
You Dem's oughtta wake up and smell the fascism. Entitlement societies are basically forced communism, which IS socialism, and is ALWAYS run by fascist elite. Obama and Clinton don't give a flying rat's butt about you, or your family. They want to rule you with an entitlement system that keeps everyone repressed and compliant while they live like fatcats off the corporate money your sweat and tears create. Pull your head out of your arse! THEY DON'T LIKE YOU OR CARE ABOUT YOU. YOU ARE CATTLE TO THEM. MOOO!

G-Love, Tulsa, Ok. (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:08 PM)

Man, some of you people's comments or so idiotic. You jump at any chance to bash Romney. If you read a little more before posting your unsupported biased bull maybe you'd learn that McCain's advisors were the ones that approached Romney first to negotiate the endorsement. "Weaver (McCain's ex-political strategist) made contact with Myers (Romney's campaign manager) last week to initiate talks aimed at winning Romney's endorsement" - CNN. Mitt isn't "kissing up" to anyone. He's being a genuine good sport about all this, which is more than can be said of a lot of you. It's appalling how much hate exists within our own party. If you don't like someone, don't vote for them. But enough with the rediculous accusations and hateful comments. It's pathetic and immature.

JE (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:15 PM)

dr dave ad many like him do not believe in majority rules, they continue to belive that a true minorty should have the right to tell the rest of us (majorty) what to do. The rest of us Not as conserative republicans have supported your canditates, now its your turn, stop whinning people McCain has Majority support.

roger,kentucky (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:18 PM)

Maybe ultra conservative republicans should start a third party where they can be a majority, because The republician majority has picked. support the boat or get off

roger,kentucky (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:22 PM)

Darel? Is that YOU?!?! Which alternate universe is YOUR Greenville in????

Your "other brother" Darel in Ohio (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:35 PM)

I am sorry that you feel that way Darel, because if anyone would actually look at Huckabee they would see that he cares about the country and wants to see it change for the better. He is not a flip flopper and he is not a joke. If you are looking for somebody that is kissing backside look at how Romney dropped out pretty early and is now supporting someone most of his voters see as the enemy. Huckabee is the only true conservative left. Ron Paul is a couple issue person without true leadership qualities. Go Huck.

Chris S, Winona, MN (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:46 PM)

Why is it that no candidate has the SPP on their platform!!!??? Does anybody care about our constitution anymore? Spp is a slap in the face to every vet who fought or died defending this constitution. Bush is guilty of treason in the highest degree. Doesn't anyone care anymore?

Louis Buck Manchester NH (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:49 PM)

Louis Buck Manchester NH (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:51 PM)

I'm a Independent Conservative who is outraged by the possibility of Romneys delegates being taken captive by McCain's campaign. I, and many other Social and Moderate Conservatives are realizing Republican Party officials hijacked the chance for free elections in 2008, Washington State is a prime example. Romneys delegates are voting citizens (not his sole property) of this country, who should, as we all do, have the option to assess our candidates in current forums and vote at said time, even if it's contradictory to their intial vote. You can not pledge yourself as a conservative constitutional nominee and then hold captive our citizens right to vote. Vote fair elections, give all participating delegates equal opportunity.

chad andrew, California (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:53 PM)

All POLITICIANS are just like whores, pay them money and you can get anything you want. WAKE UP people!!! It is NOT we the people that are electing these clowns it's the delegates. It's a 3 ring circus. At least we know that pro wrestling is fake. It's the party's equivalance to the electoral college in the general election. McCain was way down in the polls months ago and now he's the front runner probably the GOP pick for president??? What a sham!!! If you believe that you STILL have a voice in THIS government then I have some lake side property that I wish to sell anyone in the Sahara desert. Listen folks, it doesn't matter which man or woman that gets in the WH we as the American people are screwed. The elite and NWO crowd are setting up their NWO. McCain, Obama, or Clinton, whoever gets in will continue the tragedy and destruction that has long pervaded this country. The only change you're going to see people is that of the downfall of this country and embracing the NWO. There will then be a two tier society the rich being served by the poor. Go ahead and laugh, I really don't care, if you do, by being an ostrich and burying your head you're just endorsing your own demise. This country is NO LONGER about democracy but about what the elite gives to it as they see fit. McCain was either put in place for the GOP nomination to either continue DUBYA's travesty and destruction of this country or to lose so that another man or woman can come in and do the same things only in a different way in order to carry out the same results. In closing, don't be the cows that the elite has pegged the masses with but think!

Rex Y (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:56 PM)

What's up with Chris Matthens, is he working for the Clintons? He keep saying I don't want to get in trouble. Is it hardball or softball?

BonnieW Quinton, NJ. (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:58 PM)

What a way to elect the "Next Leader Of The Free World !" :) Aint it GREAT ! :)

Daniel P. Christopher, Patchogue Long Island, N.Y. (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:59 PM)

Just because Huckabee was has a ministeral degree or has been a preacher, doesn't make him any more honest than any other Politician. Remember some tv evangelist and there problems? If McCain does chose Rommney, at least he will have someone who understands the economy and budgets since McCain said he doesn't.

Bill Lord (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:08 PM)

I think this is a clear sign that Romney will be on the ticket as a VP.

THE WICKED PRODUCER (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:16 PM)

Darel, I guess the governors of all 50 states must be morons. Why else would they pick Huckabee to head up their governor's association?

He is not the least electable. He is the most electable, once he gets more face time before the general public.

Kenny, Newnan, Georgia (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:17 PM)

Romney's endorsement just proves Mitt is for sale...we will see what he got out of the deal. Probably a VP spot. There was probably a deal before he got out.

Iowa (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:19 PM)

Well. . . .first off, I think the prognosticators are right. The young voters that supported their candidates in the primaries will not "follow through" on the general election in November. Obama currently has a delegate lead on Hillary Clinton that I think he'll keep. I also think that the Democratic Party's candidate strategy in this election is a bit too "avante-garde" for the country, at the moment. This country, while it may have given a slim majority to the Democrats, is still very much in a conservative mind-set. I'm guessing Obama will be the Democrats' choice of a candidate. McCain looks like a "shoo-in" for the Republicans. The outcome? I'm betting on John McCain. . . .and it's not because I'm a Republican. I'm not. The political parties in this country are totally out of touch with the country's voters. The voters are hopping mad at both parties, because the parties won't give them a candidate they can truly support. So, they're choosing "the lesser of the evils". Obama is "too green". Hillary is a woman. The country isn't ready, yet, to "experiment" with something it's never had in its history. . . .either a woman President, or an African-American President. That's why I think the Democrats are a bit "avante-garde" in their thinking in advancing these candidates. That's why I think John McCain is going to be our next President. More by default than anything else, because the Democratic Party isn't giving the people a choice they can truly support.

Bill, Upland, CA (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:20 PM)

I think this is a clear sign that Romney will be on the ticket as a VP.

Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:21 PM)

I don't believe any potential candidate should be able to give their delegates away to other potential candidates because that opens up future opportunites for candidates to abuse how the democratic system works. For example, two candidates could run for office but actually be working as a team to help one or the other get into office then if one candidate doesn't get enough delegates decide to just give their delegates to who they really want to win. Then, this would not truely reflect the voters choice.

Kim, IL (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:29 PM)

Im sorry to say, but your all ignorant. The Republican nomination should be Dr.Ron Paul. You People should all be ashamed! Its Like the blind leading the blind! What a nightmare!

Tye Andrews (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:30 PM)

"The difference between Obama and a dog -
after awhile the dog stops whining!!!
Fred C Dobbs Sierra Madre, CA"

and tomorrow Fred C Dobbs will still be an asshole

nuanced (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:34 PM)

With all that said whatever happened to the voters decision to elect a nominee? If Mitt gives his delegates to McCain doesn't that make him a betrayer of his own backers? And really is that even ethical to do? Huckabee will become president and as his supporter I will continue to pray for his victory.

Kim C, Lower Lake, CA. (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:40 PM)

romney knocking bob dole, he's done as a future flag bearer of the republican party. maybe he can move to utah and run for state treasurer.

ron h. (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:43 PM)

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