Midnight Order Bars Texas Republicans From Convention Hall

[left-of-center2012]

Source: Bloomberg

After a last-minute legal victory Friday in a battle with Houston’s Democratic mayor, the GOP was ready to move thousands of delegates into the city’s convention center for a weekend gathering to choose its presidential electors, even as the coronavirus surges in the state.

On Friday, after several unsuccessful legal efforts to gain access to the George R. Brown Convention Center, the GOP won an emergency ruling from U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes letting it reinstate the assembly. Judge Hughes referred to the coronavirus as “the flu” and told lawyers “the only problem was unwarranted panic”.

Now, with a bar on the move from a federal appeals court posted shortly after midnight, the Republicans are stuck holding an online convention that has been beset by technical problems. The party will have almost no chance of access to the hall until the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans fully reviews the dispute.

Deaths from Covid-19 in Texas broke records for a third consecutive day on Friday, at 174, pushing the grim tally to 3,735, according to state health department figures.



Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-17/texas-gop-gets-court-nod-for-last-minute-in-person-convention?srnd=premium

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The Republicans sued, claiming Turner had improperly invoked an escape clause in the convention contract to quash their free speech and assembly rights.

[Thomas Hurt]

1. Should have let them do it and made them all sign waivers.

[BlueIdaho]

4. No masks allowed.

[Merlot]

5. Wavers don't help the overrun hospitals or medical workers who have to deal with this.

[yellowcanine]

10. Waivers do not help the convention hall staff who have to cater to these clowns.

The delegates aren't going to be emptying trash cans, cleaning the bathrooms, and setting up the coffee breaks etc.

[patphil]

11. Not to mention all the places the delegates will go when they're not in the convention hall.

[keithbvadu2]

17. Waivers only applicable to protect City of Houston. No legal protection for the RNC or the suppo

Waivers only applicable to protect City of Houston.

No legal protection for the RNC or the supporters of holding the convention in person.

And the GOP big shots MUST attend in person to show their faith.

None of this 'virtual' attendance.

Go mingle with the peasantry.

[IronLionZion]

2. I can't be the only one in favor of Republicans mingling closely indoors maskless?

Republicans everywhere should do this to support their freedoms and resist tyranny. What could possibly go wrong?

[riversedge]

14. well, i would not mind. except they bring to home to relatives, friends etc.

yes. i see your sarcasm

[calimary]

16. Yep. Famous last words: "what could possibly go wrong?"!

[Jim__]

3. 'Judge Hughes referred to the coronavirus as "the flu"'

Was his legal opinion based on his "expert" medical opinion? He's a Reagan appointee and, I'm sorry, it matters who appointed these judges.

[leftieNanner]

6. In the future, we are going to be saying

"Trump and McConnell appointed judges" a great deal, unfortunately.

[RussBLib]

9. It is always surprising to me, and disappointing

when a "Judge" has an absurd opinion about something. I expect judges to exercise (good) judgement. I guess I just expect far too much.

[sandensea]

15. Any resemblance to Jean Boyd - the Affluenza judge - is purely coincidental...

[TeamPooka]

7. Should have let them meet in person in the hall. Thin their ranks a bit.

oh well, maybe next time.

[paleotn]

8. Oh, they can speak and assemble....

in a parking lot somewhere. Or in some Republo-nut's back yard. Just not in a city venue while that city fights a deadly pandemic.

Personally, it would bring a wry smile to my face if the good judge Hughes catches it and ends his miserable life on a vent. He deserves far, far worse.

[iluvtennis]

12. Too stupid to know the mayor is trying to prevent the spread and save lives. nt

[northoftheborder]

13. Chuckle

Sorry, can't help grinning at the wrong-headed, stupid, medieval minds inhabiting the Texas Republican Party, and their 2020 state convention problems! !!!!

[Karadeniz]

18. Flu...unnecessary panic...I'd like to see some judge's offshore bank accounts!