CLEVELAND, Ohio – Some Republican National Conventiondelegates broke out into a floor protest Monday afternoon after GOP officials dismissed a last-gasp effort by anti-Donald Trump groups to force an embarrassing protest vote against the presumptive presidential nominee.
A group of anti-Trump delegates submitted signatures to try to force a vote on the rules of the convention — a procedure normally done quietly at the start of each convention.
The rules were adopted by voice vote shortly after 4 p.m., then after frantic protests, a second voice vote was taken as Trump opponents shouted repeatedly for a roll call vote. The convention chairman then said there were not enough signatures to force the roll call.
Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was among the delegates protesting. At one point, he was seen throwing his credential in frustration.
In a subsequent interview on CNN, Cuccinelli explained that he is not anti-Trump, but wants more powers for the individual delegates. He says there is too much power at the top of the Republican National Committee when deciding rules.
“It isn’t about Donald Trump,” said Cuccinelli during the interview. “This was an opportunity to finally spread power out in the party.”
