What’s usually a routine vote on the Republican National Convention’s rules slate descended into chaos on Monday afternoon as anti-Donald Trump delegates tried to force a state-by-state roll call vote.
The push for a roll call vote was viewed as a last stand for anti-Trump forces, who said they had a majority of signatures from at least nine delegations, more than necessary to force the vote. But the convention chair eventually ruled that the #NeverTrump crew’s petition wasn’t sufficient to force such a vote and the rules were adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) approved the rules and left the stage. Shortly after he appeared again for a second voice vote, declaring that the ‘ayes’ won again even as the crowd started chanting protests over the vote:
Delegates chant for a roll call vote at the #gopconvention pic.twitter.com/gLamluzipy
— POLITICO (@politico) July 18, 2016
TPM’s Tierney Sneed captured video of some delegates chanting “roll call vote”:
Utah Sen. Mike Lee called the situation on the floor “surreal.”
There were also reports that the Colorado delegation stormed off the arena floor over the vote:
Colorado delegation has left the floor. #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/VliUMy8pNp
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) July 18, 2016
Others from the Virginia delegation shouted down the rules chair:
Scene from the Virginia delegation pic.twitter.com/6SwPTfS2CP
— Sam Sanders (@samsanders) July 18, 2016
VIDEO: Virginia delegates shout “hold the vote! Hold the vote!” pic.twitter.com/xKj7lfeeLc
— Ed O’Keefe (@edatpost) July 18, 2016
Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, a delegate from that state, was also visibly upset by the proceedings. He reportedly threw his credentials to the floor at one point:
“This is pretty disgusting,” Cuccinelli says
— DENALI (@timothypmurphy) July 18, 2016
“They cheated, that’s what you just saw, they violated their own rules.” — Cuccinelli #RNCinCLE
— Geoffrey Skelley (@geoffreyvs) July 18, 2016
Watching on TV, I just saw @KenCuccinelli take off his credentials, throw them on the floor, and walk away. #RNCinCLE
— Kelly Jane Torrance (@KJTorrance) July 18, 2016
Republicans lying about votes? I am shocked!
How the hell does it feel, Ken Cunninelli, when you’re “denied a vote?”
That was even more refreshing than the gin and tonic I’m just about to mix.
He probably had an vaginal ultrasound to perform. That should cheer him up.
LOL. Ten extra “Likes” for that one!