Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Ron Paul greets supporters on floor of RNC

PaulOnFloor

Anjeanette Damon

Ron Paul arrives on the floor of the Republican National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.

GOP Convention 2012: Day 2

Guitarist Joel Hoekstra of Night Ranger rehearses at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Launch slideshow »

TAMPA, Fla. — If Mitt Romney campaign officials were counting on Ron Paul — Romney's former adversary for the presidential nomination — to play ball during this convention, they might want to reconsider.

Just moments before the Republican National Convention was gaveled open, the Texas congressman wandered onto the convention floor to spend a few minutes with his delegates. The visit occurred just before an expected floor fight over convention rules and an effort to throw his name up for nomination.

His appearance further energized an already devout following who have vowed to use every option possible to fight for his nomination.

Paul said few words as media and delegates swarmed around him. Some supporters were reduced to tears as he shook their hands and posed for photographs.

Asked what he had to say to his supporters, he answered: "Thank you."

He didn't dissuade them in their fight to change rules that would give a presumed nominee almost total control over who could be seated as a delegate in future conventions.

"I love a good debate," Paul said.

Paul had little to say on their effort to put his name up for nomination.

"I have no idea what they're doing," he said.

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