RNC: Vin Weber calls MN GOP 'screwed up,' Paul delegates fight rule change

    While attending the Republican National Convention in Tampa, former Minnesota Congressman Vin Weber described a state party suffering from a split between Ron Paul supporters and the GOP mainstream. Weber says the divide leaves Minnesota's GOP ineffective and "screwed up." Also, Minnesotans are fighting a proposed change in the delegate selection process that would have delegates chosen by the presidential candidates rather than elected at state conventions. One calls the proposal a "power grab by Washington insiders."
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    Former Minnesota Congressman Vin Weber, who is a consultant to the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, tells The Hill the Republican party in his home state has suffered from a divide between party regulars and the influx of Ron Paul supporters. Weber says the split has left the state party "totally ineffective (and) screwed up." The blog reports party leaders worry more states may have different versions of the same problem.

    The Paul supporters dominate Minnesota's delegation in Tampa and they are mobilizing to fight a proposed change in how the party selects its delegates. Instead of delegates being elected at state or Congressional district conventions, presidential candidates would choose their delegates. One of the Minnesotans upset by the proposal tells the Pioneer Press it's a power grab by Washington insiders.

    The national convention was gaveled to order Monday, but recessed two minutes later in deference to Tropical Storm Isaac. The stormy weather may have kept down the number of protesters in Tampa. But a Minneapolis organizer says marches will go on as planned.

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