Maine GOP Plays Musical Chairs, as Republicans Name Rick Bennett 3rd Party Head Since November
Over the weekend, the Maine Republican Party selected current Trucost board member, former board member of the Maine Heritage Policy Center and co-Senate President Rick Bennett of Norway as their third chair since last year. Via MRP press release:
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The Maine Republican Party State Committee has elected former Maine Senate President Rick Bennett, as the new Chairman of the Maine Republican Party.
The vote, cast by the party’s 77-person state committee, demonstrated broad support from all areas of the Republican Party, with a majority of members from across the party’s diverse areas pledging support for Bennett in advance and an even greater number delivering votes the day of the election.
“The Maine Republican Party is ready to make the case to the people of Maine that the liberal leadership and policies of Senate President Justin Alfond and Speaker of the House Mark Eves are bad for the Maine people, bad for Maine’s small businesses, bad for Maine’s economy, and bad for the generations of Mainers who will inherit our decisions,” Mr. Bennett said.
“It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work electing Republicans who will grow Maine’s economy, protect Maine’s small businesses, control the size and scope of government and give the next generation of Mainers a stronger, more prosperous Maine than we inherited,” Mr. Bennett concluded.
In addition to electing Mr. Bennett as new party Chairman, the Maine Republican State Committee also elected former State Representative and current Kennebec County Republican Chair Hon. Susan Morissette as new Vice Chair.
Morisette previously served one term as HD 54 Representative of Winslow before losing her re-election bid to Catherine Nadeau.
But one needs a scorecard to keep up with all of the scandals, claims of manipulation/ disregard of party rules (see RNC2012), changes in leadership and controversies in the Maine Republican Party since 2010- oh, how the party of Margaret Chase Smith and Bill Cohen has fallen in recent years!
When Paul LePage first was elected Governor in 2010, Maine also witnessed both State House chambers go from blue to red- the first time that the state had gone to Republican control in both the Executive and Legislative branches in over 40 years. It heralded a time of devastating party splintering and questionable ethics such as the state had never before seen and was part of a much larger picture nationally.
The chair of the Maine Republican Party at the time, Charlie Webster, claimed much of the credit for the flip, But then… well… Charlie Webster quickly went from being “the man” to being “Crazy Uncle Charlie, that guy that has to be invited to Thanksgiving dinner”, telling more and more wild tales:
June 2011: Democrats “steal elections” via same day registration:
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“If you want to get really honest, this is about how the Democrats have managed to steal elections from Maine people,” Webster told a columnist for the Portland Press Herald in a piece published Friday. “Many of us believe that the Democrats intentionally steal elections.”
July 2011: Webster claimed that UMF College Republicans “parked their vans” on Election Day in 2010, as to prevent students getting to the polls, and submitted a list of 206 names to then Secretary of State Charlie Summers to investigate for voter fraud:
None was found and the accusations/ witch hunt resulted in national attention.
Sept 2011: Webster, still determined that SOME fraud had indeed occurred, insisted that “Canadians were able to come across the border and vote illegally”:
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“Do we want people who live in a motel deciding who we send to the state legislature when they never vote again in Maine?” he asked. “Do we want people who are illegal aliens — illegal Americans — from Canada or another state? … Do we want them influencing our elections?”
LD 1373, “An Act To Preserve the Integrity of the Voter Registration and Election Process”, was introduced by Rep. Rich Cebra (R-Naples) that was passed by the GOP-led 125th Legislature and supported by Secretary of State Charlie Summers and signed law by Governor Paul LePage, went to referendum in November- and was soundly smacked down by Maine voters by a 60-40 margin:
“Maine voters sent a clear message: No one will be denied a right to vote,” said Shenna Bellows, director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. “Voters in small towns and big cities voted to protect our constitutional right.”
“We felt good coming in and we knew we had run a better campaign,” Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant said. “It feels good to get a win but this isn’t the last vote of 2011, it’s the first of 2012. We need to take this momentum into next year.”
Nov 2012: Grant’s statement of the Rich Cebra sponsored bill LD 1376’s 2011 defeat being the “first vote of 2012” proved true, as Democrats regained control of both legislative chambers.
Charlie Webster then announced that he would not seek re-election and held an interview with WCSH’s Don Carrigan and still determined that there was indeed voter fraud occurring within the state, claimed that it was being committed by “dozens of black people” travelling into towns. The story garnered more national headlines and Webster later apologized for his remarks.
Then the termed-out of the Legislature Rich Cebra came in as the new party chair, somehow managed to make an even bigger mess than the one he had found time and time and time again… and promptly left- after seven months with no warning.
On July 3, news broke that Maine Republican Party Chair and former Rep. Rich Cebra abruptly stepped down from his position as head of the party amid multiple controversies, and that his Vice Chair Beth O’Connor had given notice a few days’ prior as well. O’Connor originally planned to run against Cebra for the top slot, but chose at the time to pull her name before the vote.
From Dec 2012:
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“It’s a new day in Maine,” said Cebra, who praised O’Connor’s withdrawal as a sign that the Maine Republican Party “is a unified party that works.” He said he planned to focus initially on “ground work,” building the party’s base by strengthening local and county committees.
John Frary, a committee member and party stalwart from Farmington, described O’Connor’s withdrawal as “a noble gesture for party unity.”

Rep Rich Cebra of Naples, who also served from Dec 2012 to July 2013 as MRP Chair before abruptly resigning.
“Cebra has been a big disappointment,” Vic Berardelli, a Republican state committee member from Penobscot County and chairman of the Maine Republican Liberty Caucus, said by phone Wednesday. “I stuck my neck out and lost some good friendships in my efforts to get Rich Cebra elected as Maine Republican Party chairman. He did not have the management and fundraising ability or people skills to bring factions together.”
About that fundraising and money management… one wonders what the numbers actually DO show!
More previous reaction from Charlie Webster and Bruce Poliquin:
- Webster said he had heard a couple of days ago that Cebra might resign, but he said he didn’t know why and had no other information.
Among those eyeing the job is former state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, who said he is considering the post after being approached by a number of people asking him to take the job. Poliquin is also considering running in the 2014 2nd District congressional race, now that Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud is likely going to challenge LePage in next year’s gubernatorial election.
“It’s a very difficult job and it’s important to be able reach out to all factions of the Republican party to make sure our message gets out about limited government and more economic growth and more jobs for Maine families,” he said. “It’s critical to get that message out. I’m sure we’ll find somebody who can do that.”
So, here’s the mess that Webster and Cebra left for Bennett- time will tell as to what he chooses to do- or even CAN do- with it.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )7. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Waiting for opening gavel and our chance to make a motion.
#mepolitics #megop2012
pic.twitter.com/1F3gT0CR
(Photo credit to Siobhan Kumm)
8. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
#ronpaul on the floor with maine delegates. Chants of “ron paul! errupt.
#mepolitics #megop2012
9. Anna Sale @annasale
Been on floor 15 min, already two rounds of “Ron Paul! Ron Paul” chants in convention hall.
#RNC2012
10. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Convention called to order by Ryan P. #mepolitics #megop2012
(Photo credit to Frank LoBuono)
11. Mike Wallace @md_wallace
Floor of the #rnc2012 with #ronpaul making a surprise appearance#megop2012
pic.twitter.com/p7iqKNM5
Retweeted by Siobhan Kümm
12. Steven Portnoy @stevenportnoy
And we’re underway! #2012GOP
pic.twitter.com/BTYsQDwE
Retweeted by ABC News
13. The New York Times @nytimes
Live video: @jimrutenberg and @shearm
on the floor of the RNC.
ABC News @ABC Sarah Palin Pushes for Convention-Floor Fight
http://abcn.ws/PM9St9 #2012GOP
14. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
This is a hard invocation to sit through.
#falseliberty #mepolitics#megop2012
15. Luke Russert @LukeRussert
Michelle Bachmann greets delegates on #RNC floor #GOP2012
twitter.com/LukeRussert/sta…;
16. Roll Call @rollcall
#RNC 2012 called to order.
Speakers this next hour: @Reince,@SharonDay,
@RepTimGriffin, @BobMcDonnell,
@SenJohnHoeven, and @MarshaBlackburn
17. Ron Paul @RonPaul_2012
Ron Paul makes floor appearance: ‘Let him speak!’ – Washington Post (blog)
bit.ly/QtmdDz #RonPaul
#tlot #tcot
18. Ron Paul @RonPaul_2012
Could Ron Paul and Gary Johnson secure a Libertarian victory in November? –
Examiner.com http://bi…
RonPaul #tlot#tcot
19. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Chair: speaking of required written notification of motions/nominations.
#mepolitics #megop2012
20. The Hill @thehill
.@RepRonPaul causes stir on GOP convention floor http://bit.ly/PpnqYi
(by @MollyHooper)
21. Andrea Mitchell @mitchellreports
.@ronpaul rallies his delegates on the floor hasnt endorsed@
mittromney but tells @johnyang not angry he wont get chance to speak
22. David M. Drucker @DavidMDrucker
Day 1 of #GOP2012 in Tampa, invocation delivered by a Rabbi.
Retweeted by Roll Call
23. Election 2012 News
@PresidentO’Keefe not allowed to fly to Tampa.
24. Lisa Desjardins @LisaDCNN
LATEST RNC REBELS FLOOR CHANT: “Seat Maine Now”
(Maine full of Ron Paul delegates and was one of first points of contention.)
Retweeted by PressHerald
25. The Nation @thenation#RNC
Schedule: Tokenism Extraordinaire thenation.com/blog/169595/r…
26. Adam Smith @adamsmithtimes
RNC forgets to send buses to pick up Fla delegation soc.li/M2eMFRN ;
#RNC2012 via PoliticsTbTimes
27. RT @tampabaytraffic:
FL delegates finally arrive @ #RNC2012 after missing bus, then getting lost.
28. Nigel Parry @flyingmonkeyair
People who plan political conventions in Florida during hurricane season
probably shouldn’t be running a whole country.
#GOP2012 #RNC2012
29. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Invocation included importance of god given rights, liberty, and troops fighting for our freedom.
#irony #mepolitics #megop2012
30. Johanna Baxter @hanniespice
this reince priebus guy makes me wanna go to sleep #rnc2012
31. Cole Streeper @colestreeper
TX RNC delegation opposes Convention rules change. In other news, Ron Paul is from TX.
#kerfluffin #RNC2012 #headdesk
32. The Hill @thehill
GOP uses convention debt clock to play up President Obama’s red ink (by @elwasson)
thehill.com/conventions-201…
33. FOX 13 Tampa Bay @MyFoxTampaBay
#RNC2012 protesters try, fail to arrest Condi Rice for war crimes:myfoxtampabay.com/story/193…protests
34. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Love seeing the white #ronpaul hats on the floor. #mepolitics #megop2012
35. Gregg Phillips @JumpVote
Fight over RNC rules – if not stopped soon – will be Romney’s Waterloo. He simply can’t win without the grassroots conservatives.#RNC2012
36. Taylor Williamson @TaylorComedy
“The private sector” sounds like a level on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game. #RNC2012 #GOP2012 #TMNT1990
37. HuffPost Politics @HuffPostPol
Romney campaign tries to lower expectations for post-convention “bump”
huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/…
38. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Vice chair: “this is the most important election of our nation’s lifetime.”#mepolitics #megop2012 #wth
39. Andrea Parkinson @andiparkinson2
First #RNC2012 mention of “CZAR”- DRINK!!
40. Richard DeNapoli @RichardDeNapoli
RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day #2012tampa #RNC2012
twitter.com/RichardDeNapoli…;
41. Gabe Ortíz @TUSK81
Nothing like having Trump call Arianna Huffington ugly & anti-choice Santorum headline at #RNC2012 to prove you don’t hate women, GOP. #tcot
42. Donna Brazile @donnabrazile
Senator Rand Paul got a speaking slot. The GOP wants to include the Tea Party, before it is completely absorbed by the Tea Party.#RNC2012
43. Andy Borowitz @BorowitzReport
If its platform is any guide, the Republican party is staunchly pro-life until you are actually born. #RNC2012
44. LiveFree @MattWilliams06
Delegates, vote your conscience. Mitt isn’t the right guy and you know it. Unless you’re 80 years old and senile. #rnc2012#RNCpowergrab
45. FreedomWorks @FreedomWorks
More floor votes happening on this today. Call your state party NOWhttp://bit.ly/PjktHG #rnc2012 #nopowergrab
46. Grabtindy @Grabtindy
Epic middle aged white person dance party at the #RNC2012 on@cspan right now. #lulz
47. Roll Call @rollcall
RT @meredithshiner: There is a group of white men covering the Temptations “My Girl” on the convention floor right now. #groovin‘#RNC2012
48. Shu-Fy H. Pongnon @shufypongnon
RT @HuffingtonPost: #Pastor says #prayer group sent #Isaac away from Republican National Convention huff.to/SNdYmH#gop2012 #rnc2012
49. Joshua Gillin @jpgillin
Democratic (Tampa) mayor Bob Buckhorn walks into the lion’s den. #RNC2012
50. Dan Cole @dancole302
Already some1 is screaming “I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!”#RNC2012 totally illogical. Can’t get into roots in tweets: Fear of difference. Period.
51. Stacy Morrison @bklynstacy
I’m gonna say it: The addition of interstitial music at the RNC feels really strange, like we’re on a ’50s variety show. #RNC2012 #BlogHer
52. Claire Wiseman @clairelwiseman
During musical break, delegates are dancing and in the aisles. Texas delegation has cowboy hats, flag shirts. #RNC2012
53. Ashvin Lad @ashvinlad
First line of security and we are not even close to the convention hall!#GOP2012 #RNC2012
twitter.com/ashvinlad/statu…;
54. βℒⒶℤΣ∞ℙℋξℕÎ✘ ❤Ⓐ @BlazePhoenix_
One thing I’m noticing is the camera @#RNC2012 rarely lights on the audience. Could it be @GOP demanded that?There are literally are NO POCs
55. Jacob Kornbluh @jacobkornbluh
VIDEO: Rabbi Soloveichik’s Invocation at the #GOP2012 youtu.be/0bHSMZLuyOg ;(h/t @gifterphotos) #RNC201 2#JewishVote
56. Spot News @NewsCritter
The band at #RNC2012 plays “I’m Busted”.. They got that one right !#p2 #GOP #Dems @NewsHour
57. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Hooked up with Mark Willis, Sam Canders, and John Logan Jones. Looking for media outlets to talk to. #mepolitics #megop2012
58. MemoryClocksbyStan @MotorHomeless
Republican women, no matter how they dress or fix their hair, all look like Real Estate Agents #cspanRNC #RNC2012 #RNC #GOP2012#tcot #p2
59. Gerald Weinand @DirigoBlue
Who will be the 1st woman speaking at the #GOPConvention to wear a dress not colored red? #mepolitics
60. Andrea Parkinson @andiparkinson2
@DirigoBlue I prefer the “CZAR” drinking game, although blondes in red dresses could get one liquored up pretty quick! #RNC2012
61. Christocrats @christocrats
GOP is denying AJ Spiker access to Rules Committee meeting w/ his guest pass. Trying to protect First in Nation Status! #RNC2012@IowaGOP
62. Woman Voter @WomanVote
RNC 2012 trying to shore up their rigged RNC rules to STOP Ron Paul youtube.com/watch?v=QiKh9Ko…SeatDelegates #Veterans #Native #Priest #GOP #Vote
63. AngloSaxons4Obama @TheAngloSaxons
So far, #RNC2012 is making Romney’s overseas trip seem like a success by comparison – #RomneyShambles meets #RonPaul fans
64. PolitiFact @politifact
Yes, we’ll be live-checking #RNC2012. Spread the word!
65. Paula Dockery @Paula_Dockery
Ron Paul supporters outside the Forum #RNC2012
twitter.com/Paula_Dockery/s…;
66. Christina Gace @ChristinaGace
At Republican National Convention, Tampa’s Homeless Compete With Protesters For Food, Shelter ow.ly/dioYZ ;#RNC2012
67. Alex Altman @aaltman82
Drink each time someone says so this wk RT @michaelkruse@SharonDay This is the “most important election in our nation’s lifetime” #RNC2012
68. Andrew Carden @polibeast
Rep. Quico Canseco (R-TX) just delivered his #RNC2012 address in Spanish.
69. Becky Lannon @beckylannon
I don’t speak Spanish. #RNC2012
70. Andrea Parkinson @andiparkinson2
DINGDINGDING! Knew there would be complaints… RT@beckylannon I don’t speak Spanish. #RNC2012 #racism
71. Erick Brockway @erickbrockway
Morton Blackwell to Delegates on Romney Rules Fighthttp://flpbd.it/WGWxp #tcot #RNC2012
72. Daily Paul @dailypaul
VA Delegation Bus being Redirected away from Convention to prevent them from voting against Rules C… bit.ly/QtChWa #RonPaul2012
73. Anthony De Rosa @AntDeRosa
I know it’s early but this crowd doesn’t seem overtly excited or inspired by any of the speakers thus far. Platitudes falling flat.#RNC2012
74. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Platform vote has been moved to 4:40 PM. #mepolitics #megop2012
75. AngloSaxons4Obama @TheAngloSaxons
#RNC2012 should delay all of tonight’s speeches until #RNCpowergrab issue is resolved. I’m not even a GOPer and this pisses me off
76. CAP Action: Congress @CAPcongress
FACT: Obama is “Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower.” says @Forbes. cap.af/Nx40PV http://c…GOP2012 #RNC2012
77. Donald D @DonaldDeez
MT @AnjeanetteDamon Asked if he’s supportive of the rules fight, Paul says: “I always like a good debate.” #RNC2012 #RNCpowergrab #RonPaul
78. Rich Mullins @DailyDeadline
Protest scene pretty quiet in #Tampa for #RNC2012. Police cancelled a 4 p.m. briefing because “there is no public safety update.”
79. Benjamin Lepak @BenLepak
Better link for my take on the RNC Rule Changeshttp://wp.me/p2GDSK-1c #RNC2012 #tcot #RNCpowergrab
80. Sherri @mytngenes
RT @FreedomWorks: RT @michellemalkin: Dear Team Romney: You’re blowing it. ==> is.gd/AHhw54 #rnc2012 #gop2012 #rncpowergrab
81. Michael C. Bender @MichaelCBender
Paul supporters trying to put congressman's name into #rnc2012 nomination. They’re escorted away from stage.
pics.lockerz.com/s/23924152…
82. Siobhan Kümm @Siobhanleslie
Oklahoma and Texas planning on walking out if Maine doesn’t get seated. #mepolitics #megop2012
83. dcarrr @dcarrr
Have never seen so many cops in my life #RNC2012 #riots
84. Jan Maxwell @januarycat
#RNC2012 I have had enough. All saying same thing w different words. Nasty government, good GOP. No word about poor, disabled, elderly.
85. Tim Boyum @BoyumNews14
Take a wild guess what delegation this is? #rnc2012 hint: its not iowa
via.me/-4j4tnjs ;
86. Dan Cole @dancole302
Hey Deb Fischer! How does being “a wife and a mother” make you “not a typical politician”? #RNC2012 #offensivetowomen
87. UrbanRelations.Info @UrbanRelations
The Social Media Story of RNC 2012 on Storify
nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_ne…;
88. Stanley Staco @stacos
NOW: Protest march downtown Tampa #RNC2012 pic: pic.twitter.com/isAFuuVj ;(via FOX13)
Police have protesters trapped. They sit on ground. #RNC2012 pic.twitter.com/5uOG7VfL
89. mario @elocio
RT @wilkie4 Anti-Conservative, anti-grassroots Move by Team Romney Threatens #GOP2012 #tcot #TPP #RNC2012 fb.me/1NgfGTuIy #RNCPowergrab
90. Voltaire @MaxStyleTweeter
“Now speaking for our youth, here’s Alex Schriver, a 30 something rich white kid who hates taxes!” LOL #RNC2012
91. BetweenUnemployment @BtwnUnemploymnt
Temporary Walk-Out Planned!!! #RNC2012
92. Anthony De Rosa @AntDeRosa
The last RNC speaker bashed colleges and universities. Does the GOP hate education? #RNC2012
93. ACLU Liberty Watch @ACLULW
#RNC2012 platform “amounts to a declaration of war on the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country”
washingtonpost.com/opinions…;
94. Gerald Weinand @DirigoBlue
Here’s the full truth on the claim that 92% of jobs lost were those held by women factcheck.org/2012/04/obama… #GOPConvention #mepolitics
95. Fuzzy Slippers @fuzislippers
GOP fears ghost of Katrina at RNC 2012http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=412185D0-D9C8-4146-A1F0-447367A8F542 /no they don’t, #hacks Let’s talk about the Gulf oil spill, shall we?
96. Jennifer Orsi @Jenorsi
RT @SRossetter: Riot gear out. #rnc2012 instagr.am/p/O4lL63H-w1/&nb…PoliticsTBTimes
97. Jim @MentatBashar
The Beatles playing at the #rnc? Seriously? They are liberal atheists, opposed to everything you do. #rnc #rnc2012
98. Rebekah Metzler @rebekahmetzler
The house band is playing “Eight Days a Week” by the Beatles and the ten gallon hats are really waving in the air #rnc2012
99. Adam Whitley @AdamWhitley
I hate it when the parents dance at prom. #RNC2012
100. Jesse Bacon @trayf
Crowd at #RNC2012 reacting like they have never heard pop music before. Perhaps they haven’t?
101. Michael C. Bender @MichaelCBender
Supporters just got petitions in to nominate Ron Paul for prez at #rnc2012, they say. Here’s 1 from MN.
pics.lockerz.com/s/23924602…;
102. Bryana Johnson @_Bryana_Johnson
#LibertyPeople, stop what you’re doing an read THIS:freedomoutpost.com/2012/08/…;#rnc2012 #GOP2012
View the story “Tweeting RNC 2012, Day 1 (Pt 2)” on Storify
1. Sheryl @sav01
Trying to limit political freedom is unAmerican whether it happens on the right or the left. #RNC2012
2. Bruce Fulton @dbfulton
Boehner, the guy who mocked the Republican platform? #rnc2012
3. Chris Faraone @Fara1
Anti-Ron Paul delegates ironcally shouting ‘USA’ in the name of disenfrancising Paul supporters. #RNC2012 #RNC #RonPaul
4. polymath22 @polymath22
if someone yells #PointOfOrder, meeting is supposed to STOP until issue is resolved
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point… RNC#GOP #RNC2012 #GOP2012 #OWS
5. Donald D @DonaldDeez
For those confused: this is why “Seat Them Now” chants started over#Maine
Delegation: dailypaul.com/214328/maddow…
GOPcorruption #RNC #RNC2012
6. Anthony De Rosa @AntDeRosa
Chants of “point of order” continue, now the Texas delegation joins in #RNC2012
7. Claire Wiseman @clairelwiseman
Speaker Boehner takes the stage, recognizes Sununu #RNC2012.
Faint “point of order” cheers going in and out as Sununu speaks.
8. FarrellFiles @FarrellFiles
Speaker Boehner and Former NH Gov. sununu trying to make rules changes – Paul folks booing
ow.ly/i/T2YB ;#RNC2012 @cl_tampa
9. Anthony De Rosa @AntDeRosa
John Sununu who is speaking on stage doesn’t bother to acknowledge the dissent from the floor #RNC2012
10. Neil Lynch @neeho
Video: Texas delegation objects to credentials report, chant “point of order” when ignored #rnc2012 #gop2012
11. Joe Deaux @JoeDeaux
Maine delegates came by sayin Texas would help
RT @AntDeRosa: Chants of “point of order” continue now the Texas delegation joins in #RNC2012
12. Milkshakes Anytime @MomMilkshake
Ron Paul supporters doing more harm to their cause, than good. Clothespins in nose, shouting frantically, U look foolish. #GOP2012#RNC2012
13. Paula Dockery @Paula_Dockery
Some unhappy chants and boos on Sununu’s motion for rules changes. Ron Paul supporters not happy #RNC2012
14. Anthony De Rosa @AntDeRosa
Loud chants of NO were ignored by John Boehner and the motion is passed #RNC2012
15. Brittany Wynn @Bretagne
What is this disturbance at the #RNC2012? #imconfused
16. Eli Stokols @EliStokols
Rules are adopted, followed by mix of cheers and boos. #RNC2012
17. Politics TBTimes @PoliticsTBTimes
.@RonPaul supporters continue to shout out at #RNC2012. Lots of hearty NOs to any procedural changes. #GOP2012
18. Jesse Bacon @trayf
I do hope #RNC2012 is resolving these disputes by applause-o-meter. Do they not believe in voting? Oh yeah..#GOP2012 #CSPANRNC
19. Laura Ⓥ @peacechicken
Apparently the #Romney neocons were instructed to yell “U-S-A!” whenever the #RonPaul crowd yells anything. So creative.#CSPANRNC #RNC2012
20. CBS News @CBSNews
Watch the #RNC2012 Rules Vote: CBSNews.com/RNC RT@LACaldwellDC: Applause erupts after Paul supporters lose the voice vote
21. Chris Brennan @ChrisBrennanDN
Is it just me or does the RNC seem like pure chaos all of a sudden?
Competing chants of “point of order” and “USA” #RNC2012.
22. David Corn @DavidCornDC
Tremendous booing in #rnc2012 from Ron Paul supporters as convention adopts rules. Can’t recall such booing in recent conventions.
23. Patty @Hoptoad4
RT @TheReidReport: John Boehner lustily booed at #rnc2012 #nbcpolitics//Provide video please. Can’t wait to savor that.
24. Anjeanette Damon @AnjeanetteDamon
Ok, now the Paul people really have lost the rules battle. #rnc2012
25. Erica Drayton @ericadrayton
It’s getting serious over there. People are not happy with what’s going down at the RNC right now.
What’s up w/the Maine delegates? #RNC2012
26. Anna Sale @annasale
On rules adoption, “ayes” and “nos” sounded about even to me. Ayes got it.
Paul supporters’ boos cont as Boehner moved ahead.#RNC2012
27. Bruce Fulton @dbfulton
Uh oh, Gov. Trans-Vag speaking. #rnc2012
28. Jason Rosenberg @jro
Adoption of the rules at #rnc2012 has crowd going nuts. They want Ron Paul. @speakerboehner gets jeers.
29. Storify @Storify
Who’s storifying the #RNC2012 for #GOP2012? Check out what ppl are saying: storify.com/hashtags/gop201… join our#storifychat (thurs) to discuss
30. Chris May @chrismayphilly
Pretty clear Ron Paul supporters will not go quietly into the night.
LOUD booing as RNC steamrolls Paul delegates. #cbsphilly #RNC2012
31. Katrina Pierson @KatrinaPierson
The ayes did NOT have it!!! #RNC2012 #GOP2012
32. Bryan Llenas @Bryan_Llenas
Chants of “USA! USA! USA!” @ #RNC after chairwoman from Puerto Rico is introduced. RNC Chairman visually ‘perturbed’ #latism@foxnewslatino
33. Hayley Peterson @hcpeterson
McDonnell on Republican Party platform: “It’s an indictment, it’s a blueprint and it’s a declaration of values” #RNC2012
34. KristineFrazao @KristineFrazao
With a half smirk on his face, Speaker Boehner says, “The Ayes have it.” #Rulesvote #RNC2012
35. Joy Reid @TheReidReport
That yelling you heard at #rnc2012 *appears* to have been Ron Paul supporters objecting to the delegate rule chg. #nbcpolitics
36. Nethead @nethead
sounds like it’s time for a 3rd Party to be Created bit.ly/U8Tbs3 ;#rnc2012
37. DurangoHerald @DurangoHerald
RT @joehanel: Shouts of “no” sound just as loud as “ayes” for controversial #RNC2012 rules. Boehner adopts rules, and boos all around.
38. Capital Tonight @NCCapTonight
Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell says #RNC2012 platform calls for balanced budget amendment, protects human life. #ncpol #news14rnc
39. CathyAreu @CatalinaMag
Gov. Bob McDonnell not being interrupted at #RNC2012, like the Latina from Puerto Rico was.
40. Conservatism Lives @Conlives
The Republican Party has just died into the hands of the DC insiders.#rnc2012
41. Jan Maxwell @januarycat
GOP platform. #RNC2012 take all rights of women to control their bodies. Must carry rapist’s baby to term.
(4:40pm) 42-46. twitter.com/Siobhanleslie
Maines delegates walk out. #megop2012 #mepolitics
Huge media swarm greets the delegates. #megop2012 #mepolitics
Maine is walking out of the building. #megop2012 #mepolitics
I’m about to be really pissy. Forgive. All delegates walked out. Shame on you all for your slander and your doubting. #megop2012#mepolitics
47. Tia Mitchell @TBTia
Some delegate buses just rolling up to TBT Forum. Conspiracy theories from Paul supporters abound. @PoliticsTBTimes #RNC2012
48. Ian Geldard @igeldard
Ron Paul Nominated At RNC flpbd.it/7qaw4 ;#RNC2012
49. Anjeanette Damon @AnjeanetteDamon
Roll call vote about to take place to nominate Romney.
Last chance for Paul delegates to make a stink when they have the mic. #rnc2012
50. Capital Tonight @NCCapTonight
State roll call starting now. Watch live here :triangle.news14.com/content…; #RNC2012 #news14#ncpol
51. Darion G @RaptorJesuss
Mitt Romney will never beat Obama after disowning Ron Paul supporters.
The #GOP and #RNC2012 will pay Nov. 6th
52. Jason Rosenberg @jro
The GOP are about to nominate their nominee for president during the primetime hour of 5p EDT. #RNC2012 #cspanRNC
53. Greg Pinelo @gregpinelo
Actual BREAKING NEWS: Ron Paul’s delegates from Maine just walked off the floor in protest.
Retweeted by Chris Dixon
54. The Last Badasstion @lastbadasstion
You’re so Maine. You probably think this convention’s about you.
Retweeted by Gerald Weinand
55. Stephanie Crowley @stephcrowley
Glad @MittRomney is the official Republican nominee!
Too bad Iowa wasn’t more helpful… #RNC2012 #RomneyRyan2012
56. Keori @TheRealKeori
Have to give Maine’s #RNC2012 delegates kudos. They’re standing up to the corporate-chosen candidate. Wish Dems would do the same.
57. Wm. Duke Harrington @DirigoDuke
The way things look right now, I suspect the person getting the biggest bounce out of #GOPConvention2012 will be @GovGaryJohnson.
58. Caroline Horn @CNHorn
Convention organizers tell @CBSNews it was not planned for New Jersey to put Romney over the top. Coincidence it was Christie’s home state.
59. Erin Burnett @ErinBurnett
Ignoring #ronpaul votes in #rnc rollcall seems counterproductive. His supporters are passionate, Mitt needs their votes in Nov.
60. Black Canseco @BlackCanseco
Romney got the #GOP nomination with one year of tax returns out. ONE YEAR .
And not even a completed one year at that. #RNC